Women in the American Revolution facts for kids
Women played many important roles during the American Revolution (1775-1783). While men fought on battlefields, women supported the war effort in many ways. They helped both the soldiers and the cause of American independence.
Some women traveled with the army. They were called "camp followers." These women helped by cooking meals, washing clothes, and nursing sick or injured soldiers. They were essential for keeping the army healthy and ready to fight. Other women helped by organizing boycotts. A boycott is when people refuse to buy certain goods as a form of protest. American women refused to buy British goods. This put pressure on Britain and showed their desire for freedom.
Brave Women Who Helped the Cause
Many women took on more active roles in the fight for independence. They were spies, messengers, and even sometimes fought in battles. Here are a few examples of these brave women:
Ann Hennis Trotter Bailey: Frontier Heroine
Ann Hennis Trotter Bailey was known for her bravery on the American frontier. She was a skilled rider and helped defend settlements from attacks. Her courage made her a local legend.
Margaret Corbin: Soldier's Wife and Fighter
Margaret Corbin showed incredible bravery during the Battle of Fort Washington in 1776. When her husband, a soldier, was killed, she took his place at the cannon. She continued to fire the cannon until she was badly wounded. She was one of the first women to receive a military pension from the U.S. government.
Nancy Hart: Georgia Patriot
Nancy Hart was a fierce patriot from Georgia. She was known for her strong will and cleverness. Stories say she even captured British soldiers who came to her home. She was a symbol of resistance in her community.
Sybil Ludington: The Teenage Rider
Sybil Ludington was just 16 years old when she made a famous ride in April 1777. She rode over 40 miles through the night to warn American militia that British troops were attacking Danbury, Connecticut. Her ride was similar to Paul Revere's, but much longer.
Molly Pitcher: Heroine of Monmouth
Molly Pitcher is a nickname given to a woman who helped soldiers during the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. Her real name might have been Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley. She carried water to thirsty soldiers, earning her the name "Molly Pitcher." When her husband collapsed, she took his place at the cannon, helping to load and fire it.
Deborah Sampson: Disguised Soldier
Deborah Sampson wanted to fight for her country so much that she disguised herself as a man. Using the name Robert Shurtleff, she joined the Continental Army in 1782. She fought in several battles and was wounded twice. Her secret was only discovered when she became ill. She was honorably discharged from the army.
Women's Fight for Freedom and Rights
The American Revolution also sparked ideas about freedom for all people, including women and enslaved people. While the main fight was for independence from Britain, some women began to speak up for their own rights.
Elizabeth Freeman: A Fight for Freedom in Court
Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet, was an enslaved woman in Massachusetts. Inspired by the talk of liberty during the Revolution, she sued for her freedom in 1781. She won her case, becoming one of the first enslaved people to gain freedom through a court ruling in Massachusetts. This case helped end slavery in that state.
Oney Judge: Escaping to Liberty
Oney Judge was an enslaved woman who worked for Martha Washington, the wife of George Washington. In 1796, she escaped from the President's household in Philadelphia and fled to New Hampshire. Despite efforts to recapture her, she lived the rest of her life as a free woman. Her story shows the personal fight for freedom that many enslaved people undertook during this time.
The American Revolution was a time of great change. Women, in their many roles, were a vital part of this historic period. They showed courage, strength, and a deep commitment to the cause of liberty.
Images for kids
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Spinning in the colonial kitchen
