Women's Involvement in the American Revolutionary War

Overview

• Women played significant roles in the American Revolutionary War beyond traditional domestic spheres.
• They were actively involved both directly on the battlefield and in supporting roles.

Camp Followers

• Role: Provided support such as medical care, washing clothes, cooking.
• Misconception: Often wrongly labeled as prostitutes.
• Participants: Many were wives of enlisted soldiers, received wages and rations.

Female Soldiers and Patriots

• Molly Pitcher: A composite figure; women who carried water and participated in battle.
• Mary Ludwig Hayes: Operated a cannon at the Battle of Monmouth.
• Margaret Corbin: Fired at British troops, received pensions.
• Deborah Sampson Gannett: Enlisted pretending to be a man, received a federal pension.

Involvement of Native Women

• Molly Brant (Degonwadonti): Mohawk diplomat, aligned with the British.
• Role: Used her position to influence Mohawk-British alliances.

Influential Elite Women

• Margaret "Peggy" Shippen: Involved in espionage, influenced Benedict Arnold's betrayal.
• Elizabeth Willing Powel: Hosted salons, influenced political leaders like George Washington.
• Mercy Otis Warren: Published criticisms, engaged in political discussions, supported anti-federalism.

Political and Economic Actions

• Daughters of Liberty: Enforced boycotts against British goods.
• Edenton Tea Party: Led by Penelope Barker, pledged against buying British tea and cloth.

Women in Direct Action and Violence

• Participated in violent actions like tarring and feathering of British agents or loyalists.

Symbolic Representation

• Allegorical Use: Women were used as symbols in political cartoons and propaganda.
• Examples:
  • "The able Doctor, or America Swallowing the Bitter Draught": Critique of British actions using allegory.
  • Imagery of America personified fighting against England.

Conclusion

• Women played a complex and active role in the American Revolution as supporters, influencers, soldiers, and symbols.
• They were not merely passive participants but were integral to both political and military efforts.