Student Activities

Women in the American Revolution

Grade Level:
Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
Subject:
Literacy and Language Arts,Social Studies
State Standards:
SC: 3-3, 8-2
NC: 3.H.2.2, 8.C.1.3

Women had an important role in the Revolution. They were responsible for keeping the everyday activities of the family continuing even though their husbands and sons were off fighting in a war. They were responsible for securing the food, for preparing and cooking it, for making the cloth and the clothes for the family, for taking care of the children and servants, for continuing the planting and harvesting of crops, and for continuing to run family businesses.

Objective(s)

1) name at least two women involved in the War in South Carolina and describe their actions;
2) list three ways women were involved in the war effort.

Background

Not all women stayed at home. In "Turning the World Upside Down," John Tebbel discusses the role of women in camps. He says, ". . . without women the army can’t survive." He points out that most women who were camp followers were the wives of enlisted men and low ranking officers and that these wives did "women'swork" that the soldiers refused to do. They had to cook, launder, try to keep the camp clean, and provide medical treatment.

Vocabulary

camp followers
harvest
servants

Last updated: March 8, 2019