Essay
Essay
Essay
Jaskiran Cheema
HST 110
Dr. Carson
to the war using their physical and mental strength as they broke through societal
norms. This essay will explore the contributions made by women making an immense
impact on women of the elite class including patriots and loyalists done by actively
battles.
female population, compelling them to emerge from the shadows and actively
participate during this transformative period. Before the revolution, women occupied a
marginalized position in society, their voices stifled by societal norms. The historical
narrative often neglects their contributions, relegating them to the background while
fathers and husbands assumed authoritative roles within families. Women faced severe
restrictions, being denied the right to own property, manage finances, or engage in legal
Independence, presented a catalyst for change, albeit a gradual one, as women began to
Initially relegated to the sidelines, women subtly defied British rule by boycotting
products and supporting the cause through roles like chefs, medics, and caregivers on
the battlefield. However, as time progressed, a noticeable shift occurred. Women not
only became more aware of their roles but also recognized the significance of their
contributions, prompting them to take action against the injustices females had to face.
This realization was particularly pronounced among white women in the elite class.
While they managed household affairs, cared for their people, and participated in
planning defiance against the British, it was a transformative moment that spurred
them into active resistance. However, the circumstances for women of lower status, such
as black enslaved women, were different, as they had no choice but to stay or travel with
their owners, ensuring the safety of their children and loved ones.
One of the most crucial roles in the American Revolution women played was
political awareness and activism which was done in various forms of activism which
included boycotts, protests, and petitions. Women actively challenged gender norms
and participated in the fight for independence by using their unique understanding and
knowledge gained after taking part in performing household duties including managing
business and other finances which usually applies only to the elite women[Marsh, 2004,
pp 162]. Whereas black enslaved women and indentured servants used their experience
Women have long played integral but often indirect roles in times of war. One
prominent merchant and ardent supporter of the Patriots. Elizabeth went beyond the
traditional expectations for women during this era, making her mark by actively
participating in public assemblies where she fearlessly voiced her opinions on the
ongoing war. One of the most memorable instances of her advocacy took place in
Savannah in 1779, where she passionately declared, “The cause of America is the cause
of all mankind,” emphasizing the universality of the struggle for independence, and
urging her fellow citizens to wholeheartedly support the gallant defenders of their cause
merely a consequence of her husband's societal and political connections; rather, it was
a strategic choice that allowed her to maximize her political awareness and influence.
Attending numerous assemblies, she defied societal gender norms by directly expressing
her opinions on political matters, challenging the prevalent notion that women should
act through male representatives. Elizabeth's remarkable efforts not only contributed to
the acknowledgment of women's significant roles in society but also played a pivotal role
in addressing critical issues related to the war. Her actions went beyond personal
political discourse, Elizabeth exemplified the changing dynamics that characterized this
transformative period. This refined version provides a bit more context and emphasizes
the broader societal implications of Elizabeth Lichtenstein Johnston's actions during the
American Revolution.
as a means to disseminate information about the ongoing progress of the war and
2004). Through the exchange of her letter, she was able to increase her influence on
colonizer women. Her influence and involvement in societal affairs led her to realize
injustice and the lack of common rights women have in society and speak up about.
Elizabeth was one of the women who was able to bring the idea of women's
Additionally, The American Revolution had a massive impact on both loyalist and
Patriot women as they began challenging the gender roles such as not staying lowkey,
not participating in public events and not sharing their point of view as they were
considered insignificant but women like Ann Gwinnett and Elena/“Nelly” Graham along
with Deborah Sampson and many others played a significant role in defying the gender
female appeals to male authority. Though her husband Buttonne Gwinnett was
well-known for signing the Declaration of Independence who was later murdered, Ann
She addressed two powerful individuals directly in poignant letters, claiming that "the
blood of the slain cries for vengeance, the widow and orphan in unutterable and
inexpressible grief seek to you in the midst of it for relief" (Marsh 2004, 175).
Remarkably, she explicitly acknowledged her deviation from social conventions, noting,
"These things (tho from a Woman, & it is not our sphere, yet I cannot help it) are all
true" (Marsh 2004, pg 176). Ann Gwinnett's impassioned remarks highlight the
significant effect literate women held in moulding viewpoints and pursuing justice at
period as it caused them trouble as they were put in charge of the family under certain
conditions, such as the death of her husband, a woman might engage in a male
occupation or activity. Women often served as inn and tavern keepers, and they
sometimes became shopkeepers, as well. (Lewis 1994, pg 24). Women were less likely to
take active roles in such matters. However, Ann Gwinnett’s petition was considered her
stepping out of the “gender sphere”. Her actions are emotionally packed and powerful,
emphasizing the human toll of violence and sorrow. Her awareness that she is leaving
the sphere emphasizes her willingness to express herself and seek redress against
cultural norms
written in 1797 describes his impression of Deborah Sampson Gannett, one of the most
significant women during the Revolutionary War of America. Gannett was also referred
to as a “cross-dressing female soldier” who led a “sexually liberated life by defying all the
gender roles and norms for women during the 1700s. According to Mann, it was
Gannett's devotion to the genderless ideal of “liberty” that led to taking such action -
fighting in the war. They also did not want to entice women away from the house.
Instead, she strove to guarantee that the house did not limit them to ignorance by
Through the article, we can see many examples of Gannett’s exemplary actions
which defy the gender roles set during the era of revolution and helped improve
women's status in society. Although she did step outside the gender sphere, she was
rewarded honourably after announcing her appearance as a woman. Gannett was one of
the women who was able to introduce the significance of women in society which
positively affected women. Due to women like Deborah, Ann Elizabeth and so on,
women were able to gain more opportunities. For instance, improvement in the
Women started voicing their opinions but it did not impact women of lower
status such as black enslaved mothers and indentured servants who had no choice but to
stay with their owners due to the lack of knowledge. Black enslaved women along with
Native American women were not able to enjoy more rights as the colonizer women did
which illustrates the lack of impact on women. Moreover, the end of the Revolutionary
War and the return of husbands and fathers caused the majority of influence produced
by women to die down which caused them to once again follow the gender roles.
In conclusion, Women were able to break through some of the gender restrictions
Deborah Sampson and many more actively participated in political discourse and
Despite the fact that some women made significant advancements, the impact differed
Marsh, Ben. “Women and the American Revolution in Georgia.” The Georgia Historical
In this article, Ben March explains the experience of women during the American
Revolution. He thoroughly explains the experience of women during this era by using
during the Revolutionary War and the impact it had on others in both negative and
positive ways by showcasing the difference in the opportunities between the elite class
women in comparison to the enslaved black women. His journal mainly focused on
women living in Georgia which was primarily on both patriot and loyalist women
making contributions to society. They raised awareness regarding women's rights using
unique methods depending on factors such as who they were married to or the family
In this article, Emily C. Snyder explores the complications between Gender, power
their agency and influence in society but also caused a drastic change in their lives.
This publication provides a collection of articles and research papers on many issues
locations, and effect on society. The writers of this article explore women's
responsibilities and their contributions to society as they not only manage their
households with bare prior experience but also contribute to society using different
Smith, Abigail M. “Among the Revolutions of Her Sex”: The Biographies of Deborah
Sampson Gannett and Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin.” Women’s Writing, vol. 23,
In this article, Abigail M. Smith dives deep into the history of two of the most significant
women in the history of the American Revolution as she explores their relationship with
their loved ones and the contributions made in order to keep them safe. Smith goes into
detail regarding their disobedience when it came to following the gender roles as these
women stepped out of the gender sphere and set examples for the rest of the female
population.
Lewis, Jan. “Women and the American Revolution.” OAH Magazine of History, vol. 8,
This article explains women's contributions made during the American Revolution in
which they mention the roles of women in the household before and after the death of
their husbands which was an outcome of following the gender roles. They also mention
the responsibilities that came along with following the gender roles which led many to
take action towards this issue. The article states how women took actions towards this
case scenario which resulted in them gaining rights which only applied to the elite class
as there was little to no change in the lives of enslaved black women who had meager