How Did Women Contribute To The American Revolution

An important aspect of the American Revolution that is not highlighted enough is the support and aid women provided. The American Revolution occurred from 1775 until 1783 and came to light due to the growing tensions between the residents who lived in the thirteen colonies and the government of Great Britain. The colonial revolt led to the independence of these thirteen colonies and established a stepping stone to what later became the formation of the United States of America. Patriots, the American forces that fought against Great Britain, engaged physically in the armed conflict and were involved in wars. They had immense help and support from women who contributed greatly and helped in several aspects. Women contributed to the American
The women who helped on the battlefields were camp followers, wives of husbands who departed for war. Camp followers, “...often tended to the domestic side of army organization, washing, cooking, mending clothes, and providing medical help when necessary. Sometimes they were flung into the vortex of battle.” In the dangerous battlefields, women found themselves supporting the soldiers by doing all sorts of tasks that would show huge support to the soldiers. These courageous camp followers became the supportive backbone of the army, and ensured care for the soldiers through the hardships of war. The several tasks and needs of soldiers they took on, such as washing, cooking, and mending clothes, was a crucial contribution women helped during the violent battlefields. They even provided vital medical assistance in the times of crisis. Despite the conditions of the battlefield, they lived in war zones and endured the harsh living conditions around them. They risked their lives bringing water, food, and supplies to the front lines. Their determination and commitment is a clear example of patriotism and sacrifices that occurred during the American Revolution. Not only were these women who sacrificed the comfort of their home the backbone during the American Revolution, but so were the women who committed to the leadership position within their home. In the article, Big Idea 4: A Women’s War, it states, “Because work still needed to be done, women took on a range of roles traditionally reserved for men. Women took on additional tasks as “deputy husbands,” such as running a farm, managing finances, making house repairs, chopping wood, and hunting.” With their husbands away at war, women held the responsibility for managing their family and source of income. They maintained their farms and businesses while also working hard