Summary: Women played significant roles in the Revolutionary War effort. They boycotted British-made goods, warned of Redcoat advances, kept their homes and farms running, accompanied their husbands into battle, and even fought. In this interactive lesson, students will learn about the ways in which a diverse group of women contributed to the Revolutionary War effort. At the end of this lesson, students will be asked to answer an essential question: In what ways did women contribute to the Revolutionary War effort, and why are their contributions important to fully understanding this period in history?
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: How has technology (e.g., ships, canals, railroads, newspapers, telegraphs, radio, television, the internet and social media) spread ideas and influenced public opinion, the economy and/or the government? Did the changes strengthen or weaken democratic institutions?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.HistoryUP.2.a: Using primary sources, describe the perspectives of African Americans, Native Americans, and women during the American Revolution and assess the contributions of each group on the outcome of the war
- 6.1.12.HistorySE.2.a: Construct responses to arguments in support of new rights and roles for women and for arguments explaining the reasons against them
- 6.1.12.HistoryCA.2.a: Research multiple perspectives to explain the struggle to create an American identity
Link to Lesson: Women and the American Revolution | Interactive Lesson | PBS LearningMedia