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Women's Role in American Revolution — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This passage explores the vital and complex roles women played during the American Revolution. Students will analyze how women contributed as spies, nurses, organizers, and workers, and examine the motivations and consequences of their actions. The text highlights multiple perspectives, including those of Patriot, Loyalist, and enslaved women, and integrates primary source evidence to model historical reasoning. A glossary of key academic vocabulary terms supports comprehension, while a timeline and engaging activities—such as reading comprehension questions, writing prompts, and a graphic organizer—help students deepen understanding. The passage and activities align with D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.3.3-5, RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2 standards. This resource includes a Spanish translation and read-aloud audio, making it accessible for diverse classrooms. Perfect for developing historical thinking, analysis, and evidence-based writing skills.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Deborah Simpson [i.e., Sampson] presenting the letter to General Washington.
Source: Library of Congress

The American Revolution changed the lives of everyone in the thirteen colonies, including women. While men fought on the battlefield, women took on new responsibilities at home and in their communities. Their actions were essential to the success of the Patriot cause, even though their contributions were often overlooked in official records.

One major challenge was the absence of men, who left to join the Continental Army or local militias. As a result, women managed farms, businesses, and households, making decisions once reserved for men. By running the economy at home, women ensured that food and goods continued to support their families and the troops. This work required resourcefulness and determination.

Women also participated in organized political resistance. They joined in boycotts of British goods, refusing to buy items like tea and cloth that were taxed by the British government. Instead, women created homespun cloth to replace imported textiles. These homespun goods became symbols of patriotism and unity. Leading these efforts, groups such as the Daughters of Liberty encouraged others to support the cause through everyday actions.

Some women took even greater risks by acting as spies and messengers. Using their status as unlikely suspects, they gathered intelligence about British troop movements and delivered secret messages. Their efforts provided the Continental Army with crucial information. Sybil Ludington, for example, rode through the night to warn Patriot forces of an impending British attack.

In addition to their work at home and in politics, many women supported the military directly as camp followers. Camp followers cooked, cleaned, sewed uniforms, and nursed wounded soldiers. While the term "camp follower" could include family members, it also referred to women who traveled with the army to provide essential services. Their contributions improved the lives and morale of the troops, helping sustain them through difficult times.

Despite their significant impact, most women did not receive official recognition or rights after the war. Some, such as Abigail Adams, advocated for greater equality, but change came slowly. Over time, historians have uncovered more stories of women's involvement, showing that the fight for independence was a collective effort.

In summary, women's roles during the American Revolution were complex and varied. They managed economic life, organized resistance, risked their safety as spies, and provided vital support to the military. Their actions made a lasting mark on American society, even if history books did not always tell their stories.

Interesting Fact: During the war, some women, like Deborah Sampson, disguised themselves as men to fight as soldiers in the Continental Army.

What did many women manage during the war?

Farms and businessesBritish shipsGovernment officesSchoolhouses

What was homespun cloth?

Cloth made in BritainCloth made at homeFancy imported fabricMilitary uniforms

Who was Sybil Ludington?

A British generalA camp followerA patriot messengerA shipbuilder

Why did women boycott British goods?

To save moneyTo protest taxesTo help soldiersTo support Britain

How did camp followers help the army?

By cooking and nursingBy fighting in battlesBy building fortsBy writing newspapers

What was one challenge women faced?