Lecture Notes: Women in the American Revolution (Part 2)

Introduction

• Focus on women's roles in the American Revolution.
• Examples of women participating in various capacities.

Women as Political Leaders

Molly Brandt

• Mohawk woman of the Iroquois tribe, married to British Army officer Sir William Johnson.
• Took over as a liaison in Native American affairs after her husband's death.
• Managed relations between the British and Native Americans, played a crucial role.
• Received a retirement pension from the British government for her contributions.

Women as Informal Soldiers

Molly Pitcher (Mary Ludwig Hayes)

• Known for bringing water to soldiers during battle, particularly the Battle of Monmouth.
• Took over her husband's artillery position when he was killed.
• Nicknamed "Captain Molly" by her regiment.
• Injured and retired from military life.

Women Disguised as Men in Battle

Deborah Sampson

• Disguised herself as a man, enlisted as Robert Shurtleff.
• Served 17 months in the Continental Army.
• Honorably discharged, later petitioned for and received back pay and a pension.
• Noteworthy for challenging gender norms of the time.

Role of Slave Women

• Participated on both British and American sides.
• Promises of freedom were often unfulfilled.
• Conducted hard labor, acted as spies, and sometimes fought in disguise.
• Oni Judge: Escaped George Washington's ownership, became a spy for the British.

Phyllis Wheatley

• America's first notable female poet, originally a slave.
• Gained fame for her poetry, invited by George Washington to recite to his troops.

Conclusion: Importance of Women in the Revolution

• Women played significant roles in political, military, and support capacities.
• Commonly overlooked in history, which perpetuates the idea that women were unimportant.

Reflection on Historical Erasure

• Addressing why women's contributions are often marginalized in historical narratives.
• Encouragement to reconsider women's historical roles as integral to events like the American Revolution.

Closing Remarks

• Importance of recognizing women’s contributions in history to understand their rightful place in contemporary society.