Women in America and Their Role in the American Revolution

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Role of Women in the American Revolution
The American revolutionary war was an event that had an impact on both men and women. It was a war that would determine the kind of lives that American citizens would lead, and its importance meant that every individual was involved in various capacities. It involved fighting for the country's independence, and the unity of both men and women in the war effort was important. While fighting was an activity that was mainly confined to men, women assisted in various capacities that were crucial to war. They helped men by playing multiple roles that were necessary to keep the men fighting on the frontlines.
For instance, women provided crucial supplies to the American troops who were fighting the British. According to Berkin, the supplies included but were not limited to clothing, metal, and saltpeter (51-52). Since Americans had vowed to boycott British goods during the war, textiles were scarce, and clothes were low. Women made homespun for the soldiers, which became a symbol of patriotism and resistance against British rule. Similarly, if men needed saltpeter, a key ingredient in gun powder, women made it in the homes and sent it to the soldiers.
Moreover, if the troops needed metal to make more bullets and canons, "women melted down their pewter tableware, clock weights, and window weights (52). They urged each other to make such contributions to increase the chances of winning the war. Such contributions helped men to focus on engaging the enemy and fighting for freedom.
Additionally, women also engaged in fundraising activities. The troops required funds to purchase various supplies that could not be manufactured. Unfortunately, most men who were fighting needed money to perform various activities including purchasing food among others. However, funds were scarce, which meant that the troops had to fight without the needed supplies. Wealthy women such as Esther DeBerdt Reed and Sarah Franklin Bache organized fundraisers and asked women to contribute to assist the troops (Berkin 54). They formed the Ladies Association plan, which raised funds for the troops to show them their appreciation. The fundraising activity not only helped the troops but it is also enabled ordinary citizens to become united. In this regard, those who had demonstrated loyalty ...