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
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