Women in the Revolution
Women were expected to take an active--though non-military--role in the
defense of the infant republic. Exhortations
for women to make sacrifices for the war effort, and
expressions of appreciation
by women for the sacrifices of men on the battlefield were
common features in the press. The author of
"Sentiments of an American Woman" outlined a comprehensive plan through
which women could make a significant contribution to the Republic.
Predictably, the popular press in Britain featured satirical commentary on the sacrifices made by American women,
as in the cartoon at left.
Many women supported the Revolution with the expectation that it would
result in tangible political benefits for them. Abigail Adams reminded her
husband John of his obligation to honor and reward women's participation in
the war effort, when she admonished him, "do not
forget the ladies!
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