Bartlett Community Partnership School
Aside from a few famous examples, such as Martha Washington, the role of women has been given short shrift in the study of the American Revolution. Carol Berkin's book, Revolutionary Mothers, explores the experiences and powerful influences women had during the turbulent years before and during the war. Berkin provides perspectives from women on all sides of the conflict, including patriots, loyalist, slaves, Native Americans. We hear stories from upper class wives, lonely widows and desperate "camp followers" who have no where else to turn besides the military encampments.
The influence women had to shape the course of the war has not been fully appreciated. Berkin's book serves to highlight the important role women played. Leading up to the Revolution, women participated in boycotts, both informal and coordinated, and other organized forms of protest, such as "spinning bees." General's wives served to boost morale of their husbands and other officers. Some women served as spies for the army, gleaning information from unsuspecting soldiers. The "necessary nuisance" of camp followers performed a whole host of duties that helped the armies run smoothly. Native American and slave women helped navigate the conflict for their own people, hoping to find a better place after the war was over. Sadly, many of them ended up in similar situations as before the war.
Following the war, women found themselves in much the same place, socially. However, attitudes were changing about the roles of women based on their actions before and during the war. Abigail Adams, writing to her husband, reminded him to "remember the ladies." Thanks to Carol Burkin's book, future students of history will do the same.