Women in the American Revolution
Time Line of American Revolution
Fight For Freedom
The American Revolution was the historic struggle by which the thirteen British colonies of North America gained independence from Great Britain and went on to create the United States. Their triumph gave rise to our democratic form of government.
On July 4, 1776 they formally adopted a Declaration of Independence which set forth a theory of government which Americans have embraced ever since. The Declaration begins:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Some people thought them unrealistic--and the colonists had to endure a brave and difficult war before they had a chance to show these goal could work. The following pages describe the women that contribute in the American Revolution.
On July 4, 1776 they formally adopted a Declaration of Independence which set forth a theory of government which Americans have embraced ever since. The Declaration begins:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Some people thought them unrealistic--and the colonists had to endure a brave and difficult war before they had a chance to show these goal could work. The following pages describe the women that contribute in the American Revolution.
Patriots vs. Loyalists
During the American Revolution, there were two kinds of people. There were the loyalist, people who stayed loyal to Britain, and there were the patriots, the ones that went against Britain. About 1/3 of Americans were loyalists. About There was also another kind of people, the fence-sitters, the ones who were undecided, they made up most of the Americans. Since many Americans were undecided both sides tried to win them over and gain more followers, because if you won but you still didn't have any followers rebellion would flare up many times after the defeat. Patriots humiliated and brought violence upon the Loyalists in public. After and during the war, many Loyalists fled, to both Canada and Britain. People think of Loyalists as traitors, but they were just trying to maintain their normal lifestyle.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the American Revolution
There are many advantages and disadvantages of the American Revolutionary War, but most of them have to do with the military. Listed below, are the pros and cons for the American and British.
American Advantages:
- Outsdanding leadership
- They were fighting on their home land
- They had many experienced officeres
American Disadvantages:
- Inexperienced army and military
- There is no navy
- Constant Shortages
- Short Enlistments
British Advantages:
- Military Powerhouse
- Superior Numbers
- Indian Support
- Loyalist Coopertion
- Lots of money
British Disadvantages:
- Weak Motivation
- Unaggressive Officers
- 3,000 miles from British home base
- 1500 mile enemy coastline
American Advantages:
- Outsdanding leadership
- They were fighting on their home land
- They had many experienced officeres
American Disadvantages:
- Inexperienced army and military
- There is no navy
- Constant Shortages
- Short Enlistments
British Advantages:
- Military Powerhouse
- Superior Numbers
- Indian Support
- Loyalist Coopertion
- Lots of money
British Disadvantages:
- Weak Motivation
- Unaggressive Officers
- 3,000 miles from British home base
- 1500 mile enemy coastline
Quick facts on Major Battles of the American Revolution:
The Battle of Lexington and Concord:
-Paul Revere was not the only one that contributed in "The Midnight ride of Paul Revere." Although he contributed a lot to the night, some of the credit should be dedicated to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his poem. The poem described his accomplishments as much more than the true story.
The Battle of Bunker Hill
-On June 16th of 1775, The Americans invaded the British, which left them no choice but to attack on the next day. A challenging battle was held that evening. Unfortunately, the Americans were forced to withdraw leaving the British shocked at what they thought would be an easy battle. Although they lost, they suffered many losses.
The Battle of Saratoga
-When Burgoyne felt the need to press on to Albany, the American army blocked his way at Bemis Heights. After attempting to break through American defenses twice, the first time was not a success. Luckily the second chance brought more victory and they withdrew to Saratoga. The British ended up surrendering on October 13th, 1777.
-Paul Revere was not the only one that contributed in "The Midnight ride of Paul Revere." Although he contributed a lot to the night, some of the credit should be dedicated to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his poem. The poem described his accomplishments as much more than the true story.
The Battle of Bunker Hill
-On June 16th of 1775, The Americans invaded the British, which left them no choice but to attack on the next day. A challenging battle was held that evening. Unfortunately, the Americans were forced to withdraw leaving the British shocked at what they thought would be an easy battle. Although they lost, they suffered many losses.
The Battle of Saratoga
-When Burgoyne felt the need to press on to Albany, the American army blocked his way at Bemis Heights. After attempting to break through American defenses twice, the first time was not a success. Luckily the second chance brought more victory and they withdrew to Saratoga. The British ended up surrendering on October 13th, 1777.
The Revolutionary War Navy
The United States started out with no navy but many private vessels were employed as privateers. These were sent from nearly all states. Massachusetts had almost 500! Seventy thousand americans were once at battle on the sea against the enemy. A navy wasn't developed until 1775 and there were 13 vessels the next year. Even though some didn't survive at sea many others were captured or burned before the war ended but not until they had all don't great for their country.