Betsy Ross and the birth of Old Glory
The American Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775. Once the Revolution began, women became a vital contribution to the war effort. Many women made products at home, took charge of the business which allowed cities to function during wartime. “Neither interest in politics nor patriotic contribution enabled women to become full citizens, but the revolutionary years were shaped by women’s as well as men’s activities.” (Chudacuff, p.34)
Women in colonial time were only needed for bear children, cooking, cleaning and sewing clothes. However, during wartime, women took full responsibility during the absence of their husbands and fathers. Some women had to use weapons to defend their homes from the British soldiers. Women also actively occupied and maintained a balance economy as well. The success of the boycott of British in 1770’s recognized the importance of American women and their willingness to alter their position in the traditional society.
I totally agree that women played a big part in the Revolution. I think this really marked the beginning of how the roles of women might begin to change. Because of this Revolution, women were given a chance to do the things they have always known to be for the “man”. I think this really helped change a woman’s belief that their only role was in the kitchen.
As for the relevance to New York’s Revolution, I would give this a 5-6 because it isn’t solely an issue that really evolved New York. Women’s rights wasn’t just a regional theme, it’s more of a national and maybe even a global event.
Women were always in the background throughout history- they took care of the kids, did laundry, cooked dinner… Never did they play a dominant role in society. That is, until the Revolutionary War. Women started getting more responsibilities and for once, they were allowed to step up and take charge. I think this is a 7 in relevance to NY’s evolution because it helped women to move forward and be seen as equal, not inferior, to men.
I do agree with the argument stated above. Women played an important role during the Revolution. But this role was very unusual for them. They had to do man s work to support their family and houses, that was like their own “front”. For the period when their men were on the was women became the head of the family – what is especially for that time. I may compare them like Scarlet O’hara in the Gone with the wind.
I don’t think that this argument might have a big impact on the course of the war, but it diffenetly effect on the people s life in general. I rate the importance of this historical change 7 out of 10.