Revolutionary War Women's Roles

The Revolution War not only declared the independence of the U.S, but also had a great impact on the roles of women, African Americans, Native Americans and white farmers.

Women’s roles changed after the Revolution War, but such change was subtle and did not make a large difference in society. Previously, they were “household wives” who should stay at home, taking care of children and doing housework. They were considered inferior to men and were not allowed to do jobs that required high techniques. After Revolution War, women recognized the unequal treatment and pursued equality, freedom and independence. Mentioned by Abigail Adams on March 31, 1776, “if particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.” However, women were still encouraged to be “good mothers” instead of capable workers who could replace men’s role in different fields in society. On an education level, most colleges still only accepted male students; as a result, women had limited opportunities to enhance their skills and take good positions.

African Americans, according to the Declaration of Independence, were entirely enfranchised. In the North, they could join the army or take up some low-income jobs. However, in the
South, in order to recovery economy, local government permitted using African Americans as slaves to work for white farmers. As a result, slavery remained a severe issue, threatening the core value of the establishment of the U.S. Meanwhile, a large number of white farmers obtained land ownership due to landholding policy.

The Revolution War was a disaster to Native Americans.
Previously, the population drastically declined due to the invasion of colonists and exotic diseases such as smallpox. The situation worsened after the conflict between Americans and Indians. Americans invaded their homeland in the southern Appalachian Mountains and Shawnees of Ohio. Later, in the Paris Treaty, Native Americans lost their territory because Britain ceded its land near Mississippi to America without an agreement from the Indians. This resulted in further encroachment of native’s homeland, threatening their living conditions and the survival of local culture and
customs.

Even though the U.S. gained independence in the Revolution War, it is not a revolution in the truest sense. Prior to the war, the America was controlled and exploited by French, British and other colonists who wanted sufficient labor force, gold, silver and economic boost in their countries. After the war, there were still victims under the protection of the Declaration of Independence. Native Americans and African Americans were suppressed and taken advantage of—they were inhumanly treated and could not make a living in society. Women, unable to access higher education, were still restricted to household issues. The War for Independence is not a revolution in that a strict and unfair social hierarchy existed, hindering the development of a healthy society and prosperous economy. This seemingly democratic system is not truly democratic—politicians faced so strong opposition from locals that they could not implement their ideal ways to regulate and reform a country.