Revolutionary Mothers
US History I HH
September 9, 2010
As the saying goes, “a woman’s work is never done,” but today’s women live a far different life than their predecessors. The women of the revolution were courageous and brave-hearted. The obstacles of their time were far more difficult to overcome than those faced by women in this day and age. Whether it was slavery, war, or racial prejudice, these women kept their heads held high and worked to break down these barriers and create change for the future. On top of having to deal with these hardships, the women of the revolution had families to take care of, mouths to feed, houses to clean, and wounds to heal. For many women of the revolution it was all about taking a stand for their rights and being noticed in society. Women like Margaret Corbin and Mary Postill wanted to show society as well as themselves that what they said was valuable and important. Today’s women enjoy so many more rights and privileges due, in large part, to the efforts of the women of the revolution. The women of the American Revolution were obedient, industrious, and loyal to their husbands. Their natural purpose or function was bearing and nurturing children. From birth, women accepted their destiny as helpmate to their future husbands. Most women during the revolution did not question their role and became the caretakers of their home; they did the cooking, cleaning, polishing, and decorating. They accepted the fact that their political voice was not heard. It was during this time, however, that some of the women began to speak out. They boycotted in the streets, and their first political act was to simply say “no”. These women’s untraditional behavior surprised many, but it was effective almost immediately. By the mid-eighteenth century, women had become the top consumers and purchasers, so their thoughts and opinions did indeed matter. Margaret Corbin’s behavior during the American Revolution is considered untraditional, as well. Her
September 9, 2010
As the saying goes, “a woman’s work is never done,” but today’s women live a far different life than their predecessors. The women of the revolution were courageous and brave-hearted. The obstacles of their time were far more difficult to overcome than those faced by women in this day and age. Whether it was slavery, war, or racial prejudice, these women kept their heads held high and worked to break down these barriers and create change for the future. On top of having to deal with these hardships, the women of the revolution had families to take care of, mouths to feed, houses to clean, and wounds to heal. For many women of the revolution it was all about taking a stand for their rights and being noticed in society. Women like Margaret Corbin and Mary Postill wanted to show society as well as themselves that what they said was valuable and important. Today’s women enjoy so many more rights and privileges due, in large part, to the efforts of the women of the revolution. The women of the American Revolution were obedient, industrious, and loyal to their husbands. Their natural purpose or function was bearing and nurturing children. From birth, women accepted their destiny as helpmate to their future husbands. Most women during the revolution did not question their role and became the caretakers of their home; they did the cooking, cleaning, polishing, and decorating. They accepted the fact that their political voice was not heard. It was during this time, however, that some of the women began to speak out. They boycotted in the streets, and their first political act was to simply say “no”. These women’s untraditional behavior surprised many, but it was effective almost immediately. By the mid-eighteenth century, women had become the top consumers and purchasers, so their thoughts and opinions did indeed matter. Margaret Corbin’s behavior during the American Revolution is considered untraditional, as well. Her