Women have been considered “the weaker sex” throughout American history. This has resulted in oppression, unfair treatment, and still continues to impact women all over the world. Prior to the American Revolution, women had been considered less than men. The Revolutionary War changed the rules of society and allowed women to have equal rights. Women were often considered inferior to men during this period. This period was important in American women’s development, but many of the discrimination and injustice faced daily by women didn’t disappear. The American Revolution Era was a significant step in the creation of the Women’s Civil Rights Movement, which wouldn’t officially start until the 1850’s. Women were considered inferior to men before this event. This behavior was obvious everywhere, but it was most evident in the absence legal rights for married woman. The 18th century law did little to recognize the independence of wives in civic, economic, and political matters. Before the American Revolution, women had limited rights and power. Also, women couldn’t own property. Women were naturally controlled by the men in the home. They couldn’t have their own identity apart from their husbands and fathers. All this created a mentality in which women were considered fragile. Therefore, men believed that women should not be allowed to have a separate identity from their husbands or fathers. Dolley-Todd Madison, her first husband was killed in a car accident. Dolley had to fight Dolley and her heirs to control her husband’s estate. Abigail Adams was an early supporter of women’s right and could only encourage John to ‘REMEMBER the LADIES’ as he drafted a new federal administration. Although she was unable to participate in the creation this government, it shows how women were not allowed to hold office and weren’t permitted to vote in pre-Revolutionary time. Women were often considered to be irrelevant in politics and education because they didn’t receive a proper education. Women also suffered from other issues, including divorce and other legal problems. These were the same things that remained unchanged after the American Revolutionary War. Women didn’t get all these rights until the nineteenth century, which took longer. The Revolution was a time when women proved that they could fight against prejudice and protect their rights. Revolution raised the importance of equality and liberty to people’s attention. Eliza Wilkinson, South Carolina’s representative in 1783 explained that ‘I won’t have it believed that because we’re the weaker sex than our bodily strength, we can do nothing but domestic concerns. They won’t even let us liberty to think, and that is all they want.
Female patriots demonstrated their potential and loyalty towards the colonies by boycotting English goods, attacking merchants who did, and also boycotting English goods. They protested issues such as 1765’s Stamp Act and 1773’s Tea Act. These acts were also responsible for the founding of the “Daughters of Liberty” in 1765. The “Daughters of Liberty” had one goal: to help the American Revolutionary War effort to liberate liberty from the British. They formed groups that made their own fabric, as they opposed British imports. The American Revolution changed the way women were viewed and the roles they played. American Women’s views also changed as the war progressed. In many ways, women on the homefront contributed to the victory of the War of Independence. Many women took on the roles of both household and economic managers as men left for war. The American Revolution was a pivotal event in which women played a key role. These women are often referred to as the “founding mothers” by historians. Women like Abigail Adams, Mercy Otis Warren and Joseph Warren, previously mentioned, had a significant influence on politics. Abigail Adams, who was famously prolific in her correspondence with her husband while she was in Philadelphia, reminded him that he must “remember his ladies” in the new system of government. They could also incite a revolution by themselves. Warren was just as political-savvy as Adams. She was prolific in writing, recording her thoughts on the events surrounding Boston and also trying to learn playwriting. She was a staunch patriot supporter. In December 1774, she wrote, “America stands with resolution and virtue, however, she still recoils when the idea of drawing the spear against the nation of which she derived her source.” In 1805, History of the Rise, Progress, and Finalization of the American Revolution was published. It was clear that women of this era were strong and determined. They often followed their husbands to the Continental Army. These women were known to be camp followers. They were usually responsible for taking care of the domestic side. This included washing clothes, cooking, and giving medical attention when needed. Sometimes women were forced to fight in battle. Molly Pitcher was Mary Ludwig Hays, and her actions at Battle of Monmouth (1778), are relevant. Hays first brought water to soldiers from the local well. After that, she assisted her husband with his artillery pieces and fired at the British. History recalls Margaret Corbin as the first American woman to get a Soldier’s Lifetime Pension after World War II. These women were outstanding examples of courage as well as progress and greatly contributed to the advancement of women in America. Another notable example of Judith Sargent Murray, a prominent American woman advocate for women’s rights, was another great example. Published from 1779 until 1790, her essay “ON THE EQUALITY OF THE SEXES” was one of the most systematic and comprehensive expressions of a feminist perspective in American history. Her essay, titled ‘ON EQUALITY AND SEXES’, challenged the idea that men are more intellectually capable than women. Instead, she argued against the notion that intelligence differences between men and woman were due to prejudice or discrimination that prevented them from having access to all the privileges and experience that came with being male. Murray believed that equality should be guaranteed between the sexes because the ‘order’ of nature requires it. However, male dominance can corrupt this principle. Murray’s support in gender equality was mostly met with shock and disapproval. This is similar to many radical voices from Revolutionary Era. Revolutionary and Early National America were dominated by men. The understanding of men’s and women’s proper relationships changed significantly during this time. For the republican thrust to succeed, citizens must be intelligent and self-disciplined in order to create the new republic’s core. This new idea of women as’republican moms’ helped to create a new ideal for their children. This added importance to the traditional duties of wives led to a greater commitment to education for women and made husbands and wives feel more equal. Despite all the great women who fought for their rights, the American Revolution didn’t make much difference for women. Women lost their rights in 1776 when America declared independence. After this, states slowly removed women’s voting rights. Certain states created new constitutions and laws that rendered women ineligible to vote. New Jersey had passed a law allowing women to vote in 1790. But, that law was repealed in 1807 by New Jersey. This law excluded women from voting and also prohibited aliens and African-American men. Despite not making major changes for women’s rights, there were some minor developments. One of these changes was in the perception of women. This was a shift in the traditional view of women. Women began to shift their views on education, with people expecting different things from them. Women were now expected to be more patriotic in their homes. While some traditions were changed to promote greater equality, they did not have a major impact on history. The role of American women in society and the war for independence ended, however, was not significantly altered. Women maintained a domestic and traditional role in society. Many men still see women today as inferior beings. American women continue to challenge this unfair treatment. Women began writing poetry and essays as protest against the stereotypes of women’s roles back then.
