The American war of independence

The American war of independence

Introduction

The American war of independence started in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five and ended in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three. The fight was mainly between the kingdom of Great Britain and the thirteen colonies in America. The relationship between Great Britain and American colonies was strained because of the political and constitutional differences. The fight resulted in the rebellion of British rule in the provinces, and the United States of America was established. Although formal politics did not involve women, sedentary behaviours were charged with the political allegation as women challenged the revolution. Loyal women continued a long tradition of weaving and spun cloth to make clothing for their families. They also provided clothes and blankets for the continental army. The spinning was a resistance mechanism. The essay will answer the following questions based on Carol Berkin’s Revolutionary Mothers: Women in the Struggle of America’s Independence.

In which ways did women on the patriots’ and loyalists’ sides make a valuable contribution to The Revolutionary War? Women were used as a nurse; surgeons procured many women who were daughters, wives or mothers of the male soldiers and were called to be nurses. Female nurses did protective work of bathing the patients, cleaning the hospital wards, cooking, clearing chamber containers and feeding the patient. These women risked being killed while taking care of the patients or their children dying, but they proceeded despite the risk factors.

Women also became maids for the army. It was the first time for women to work for the military because these activities were done by male soldiers. The soldiers recruited many women to cook for them, do their laundry, fetch water and sew for the soldiers. The jobs suited the women because most were poor and needed a job to take care of their families. The women risked the attacks from their enemies, but this did not stop them. They ensured they took good care of the soldiers that were fighting for them.

Many women served as soldiers in secret despite them not being allowed to join the military. They achieved this by shaving their hair, using male names and binding their breasts with bandages so that no one would recognize they were women. These women risked their lives to serve their country in fighting for independence. Some of the women worked as cooks in the British and American military camps. Others worked as maids, and they collected information about the troop movement, the plans made by the military, in case of shortage in supply and any delivery made. They gave this information to their soldiers without being notices because the fights took place in the streets and farms of the American’s homes. The blacks had complicated lives before and even after the revolution. Some remained slaves and others were later rescued. The British were said to have the best opportunity in preserving their way of life.

Why did the women play these specific roles? Women who served as nurses took care of patients because they were low-class women and needed to maintain themselves. They needed food and shelter for their children and parents, and the only ways to achieve this is by working. That is why some women nursed the wounded soldiers and others worked as maids. Other women wanted to be close to their husbands, and they became camp followers. Some women were alone and needed jobs so that they can maintain themselves. Other camp followers worked as prostitutes because they needed money and others as camp wives. After all, many soldiers had sexual needs that needed to be satisfied.

Some women acted like the men and went to fight with the rest of the soldiers. They deed this to support their fellow patriots and gain independence because they believed it was their responsibilities too to fight for freedom, and if men could do it, they also could fight. These women played their role so well and made sure no one knew they were women. They dared to take up the challenge, although they did not have the experience needed to be in the battlefields.

Other women went to stay with the generals because they were the wives and the generals needed them during the winter when there was no war. These wives did this to build up the morale of the generals. They destructed their husbands by holding parties and dinner. Some women acted as spies. They did this to help the British and the Patriots. An example is Mammy Kate, who journeyed fifty miles to liberate her master.

How did their contributions to The Revolutionary War specifically help further equality of women overall and within the respective communities? The Revolutionary War challenged the view that men had the best intellectual capacity than women before women were viewed as housewives whose work was to take care of the children. Still, their involvement in the Revolutionary war made them realize that women were capable of doing more than that.

Understanding the relationship between the women, men and the public world was made possible during the Revolutionary War. The republican shove of revolutionary politics needed intellectual citizens that were self-disciplined to form the essence of the republic. It helped in determining the perfect for wives as the mothers of the republic who would train their children to be intellectual and responsible persons and this mostly happened to boys. It proved that women could commit female education and in turn, make husband and wives equal.

Women had also risen to the occasion in the extraordinary circumstances of war without fear of the risks involved. Some became spies and others had to act like male soldiers to fight for freedom which they eventually achieved. It was evident that women could also do what men did, and there was no difference between them.

In conclusion, women played an essential role in the Revolutionary War. Some died helping the soldiers, but this did not make the rest of the women quit. Men saw these women as disgusting and despicable, but without these women, it would have been severe for the armies to function. Through the women, the equality of women was introduced, and the mentality that women were useless was erased. Women involvement in politics and other organizations is essential because they are good role models. Despite women being caretakers of children, they also lead to helping the families change to new challenges and certainties. It is essential to respect and appreciate whatever people do. When women are empowered, there will be a sustainable development in the society and country at large.