Lesson Plan -- Student
Women and the American Revolution
A Documents Based Question
by Pamela McKiernan
Directions: The following question is based on the accompanying
documents. The question is designed to test your ability to work with
historic documents. Part A requires you to analyze and interpret the
documents, and answer the related questions. Part B requires you
to develop an essay that incorporates the documents in Part A, as well
your own knowledge.
Some of these documents have been edited for the purposes of these
exercises; base your answer(s) on the document as presented. As you
analyze the documents, take into account both the sources of the document
and the author's point of view.
Historical Context: Although women did not receive recognition in
the Declaration of Independence (1776), they actively participated in the
revolution effort, before and during the American Revolution. As women
could not be soldiers, they sought alternate routes to demonstrate their
patriotism and/or help the war effort. As colonial society did not
allow a role for women outside the home, their activities often received
a mixed response.
Question: Discuss how women demonstrated their patriotism and/or
aided the American Revolution effort. Examine and and explain in detail
the reactions to the women's efforts.
Part A: Short Answer Questions
Directions: The following questions deal with women, their role in
the American Revolution, and the response they received in relation to
their
efforts. Carefully read and examine the documents and then answer the
question(s) related to the document.
Document 1 Abigail Adams to John Adams, March 31, 1776
... I long to hear that you have declared an independency. ...
In the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you
to make I desire
you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to
them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands
of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If
particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are
determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bounds by
any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation. …
Men of sense in all ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the
vassals of your sex. Regard us then as beings, placed by providence under
your protection, and in imitation of the Supreme Being make use of that
power for our happiness."
Based on this letter, detail two reasons why Abigail Adams believed
John Adams should "Remember the Ladies."
Document 2 John Adams to Abigail Adams, April 14, 1776 in
Response to Abigail Adam's March 31, 1776 Letter
"As to your extraordinary Code of Laws, I cannot but laugh. We
have been told that our Struggle has loosened the bands of Government
everywhere. That children and Apprentices were disobedient - that schools
and Colleges were grown turbulent - that Indians slighted their Guardians
and Negroes grew insolent to their Masters. But your Letter was
the first Intimation that another Tribe more numerous and powerful than
all the rest were grown discontented.
What is the attitude of John Adam's response?
John Adams refers to "another tribe." To what group is he referring,
and how does he compare them to children, apprentices and Indians?
Document 3 Edenton Ladies' Agreement, October 27, 1774
The provincial deputies of North Carolina having resolved not to
drink any more tea nor wear any more British cloth, etc., many ladies of
this province have determined to give a memorable proof of their
patriotism, and have accordingly entered into the following honorable and
spirited association. I send it to you to show your fair countrywomen how
zealously and faithfully American ladies follow the laudable example of
their husbands, and what opposition your matchless ministers may expect to
receive from a people, thus firmly united against them.
As proof of their patriotism, what products are the women of Edenton,
North Carolina giving up?
Document 4 Excerpt of a Letter From Arthur Iredell to James
Iredell,
January 31, 1775, in Reference to Edenton Ladies Agreement
Dr Brother-
. . the only Security on our Side [England], to prevent the
impending Ruin, that I can perceive is, the probability that there is that
but few of the places in America, who possess so much female Artillery as
Edenton. Pray let me know all the particulars, when You favor me with a
Letter. . .
Explain why Arthur Iredell does not consider the Edenton Ladies'
Agreement as a serious threat to England.
Document 5 Anonymous, "Account of Donations Received by the
Ladies in
their Several Districts for the Soldiers of the American Army", June 1780
Click here for transcription of chart
Based on the chart above, who was collecting money for the benefit of
American Army and what was their method of collection?
Document 6 Esther Reed to George Washington, July 31, 1780,
in
Response
to George Washington's Suggestion that Money Collected be Used for Shirts
Ever since I received your Excellency's favour of the 20th of this
month, I have been endeavouring to procure the linen for the use of the
soldiers, and it was not till Saturday last I have been able to meet with
any fit for the purpose, it being unavoidably delayed so long. I have been
informed of some circumstances, which I beg leave to mention, and from
which perhaps the necessity for shirts may have ceased; one is the supply
of 2000 sent from this State to their line, and the other, that a
considerable number is arrived in the French fleet, for the use of the
army in general. Together with these, an idea prevails among the ladies,
that the soldiers will not be so much gratified, by bestowing an article
to which they are entitled from the public, as in some other method will
convey more fully the idea of an reward for the past services, and an
incitement to future duty. Those who are of this opinion propose the
whole of the money to be changed into hard dollars, and giving each
soldier two, to be entirely at his own disposal. This method I hint only,
but would not, by any means wish to adopt it or any other, without your
fully approbation. If it should meet with you concurrence, the State of
Pennsylvania will take the linen I have purchased, and, as far as respects
their own line, will make up any deficiency of shirts to them, which they
suppose will not be many after the fresh supplies are received. If, at
all, the necessity for shirts, which, though it may cease, as to the
Pennsylvania Troops, may still continue to other parts of the army, the
ladies will immediately make up the linen we have, which I think can soon
be effected, and forward to them as soon as possible, having kept in hand
the hard money I have received, until I receive your reply.
Identify two arguments Esther Reed gives George Washington in defense
of her suggestion that money collected be given directly to the
soldiers.
Document 7 George Washington to Esther Reed, August 10, 1780,
in
Response to Reed's Continuing Suggestion that Money Collected Go Directly
to
Soldiers
It was not my intention to divert the benevolent donation of the
Ladies from the channel they wished it to flow in. I gave my opinion in
consequence of their request, but I shall be equally ready to subscribe to
theirs, and will execute their commands in the manner most agreeable to
themselves. At the same time, I have my apprehensions (from the peculiar
circumstances of our Army) that a taste of hard money may be productive of
much discontent as we have none but depreciated (worth less than stated
value) paper for their pay.
A few provident Soldiers will, probably, avail themselves of the
advantages which may result from the generous bounty of two dollars in
Specie, but it is equally probable that it will be the means of bringing
punishment on a number of others whose [propensity] to drink[ing]
overcoming all other considerations too frequently leads them into
irregularities and disorders which must be corrected.
A Shirt would, render the condition of the [Soldiery in general
much] more comfortable than it is at [present].
What are George Washington's specific concerns with giving soldiers
money?
Document 8 Esther Reed Obituary, Pennsylvania Gazette,
September 27,
1780
On Monday the 18th inst. died, after a few days illness, in the
thirty third year of her age, Mrs. ESTHER REED, consort of His
Excellency the President of this State.
We hear from Maryland, that the most liberal contributions have
been made by the women of that State, for the assistance of the army, -
That some individuals have presented 15 guineas -- that in one of the
smallest and most remote counties, have been collected upwards of 60,000
dollars -- that a considerable part of the sums collected has been laid
out in the purchase of linen, and a thousand shirts are already made up;
no woman of whatever quality neglecting the honour of assisting with her
own hands to make them up. Those disposed to lessen the reputation of
female patriotism might have said that what our women have contributed,
must, in the first instance, have come from the pockets of their husbands;
but, where their own labour is bestowed, the most delicate fingers being
employed in theworkmanship, it must be acknowledged an effort of virtue,
the praise of which must peculiarly belong to themselves.
"… it is observed as a fair sprig growing from those honours, that
she sacrificed her ease, her health, and it may be her life, for
her country.
According to the obituary, what item was the money Reed's organization
collected used to buy, and how was this item used?
Based on the obituary, what was the cause of Esther Reed's death?
Part B: Essay Response
Directions: Drawing on your own knowledge about women's place in
society
during the period of the American Revolution, and a minimum of five
documents you have just read, discuss at least two ways women demonstrated
their patriotism and/or aided the American Revolution effort. Examine and
discuss at least two reactions women received from men in relation to
their efforts.
Explanation of Selected Documents
Document 1 Letter, Abigail Adams to John Adams, March 31,
1776
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/jwb/Women/Power/Abigail.htm
I selected this document for several reasons. First and foremost, Abigail
Adams, in a time when women did not have a political voice, seized the
opportunity to state her beliefs to her husband. Not only did she support
the concept of the Declaration of Independence, she also stated the
document should take into consideration the state of women.
I also found fascinating the fact that she was not asking for the right to
vote. Based on a knee jerk reaction to the phrase, "Remember the Ladies,"
the reader might assume that she was asking her husband to consider female
suffrage; in fact all her only request required that the Declaration of
Independence recognize that husbands could treat their wives horribly
under the current set of laws.
Finally, there is a threat in the passage. Abigail Adams clearly stated
to her husband that if the Declaration of Independence did not address the
current legal state women found themselves in, women would not be above
rebellion. In an era where women had no legal or political standing, this
was an extremely bold statement.
Document 2 Letter, John Adams to Abigail Adams, April 14, 1776
in
Response to Abigail Adam's March 31, 1776 Letter
http://shs.westport.k12.ct.us/jwb/Women/Power/Abigail.htm
Abigail Adams presented to her husband a well-thought out and detailed
argument on why the ladies should be remembered in the Declaration of
Independence. In return, she received a condescending reply. I selected
this document because John Adams' response was typical of what women
received in the era every time they expressed a political thought or
performed a functioned outside societal norms: complete amusement.
In addition, I found that Adams' comparison of women to Indians and slaves
provided a lot of insight in how men viewed women in this era. Based on
this comparison, respect for women and their potential in the new
republic, even white women married to patriots, fell somewhere between
slim and none.
Document 3 Edenton Ladies' Agreement, October 27, 1774
http://womhist.binghamton.edu/amrev/doc4.htm
Due to their gender, women would never be soldiers, the obvious role for
men in the revolutionary movement. The ladies of Edenton, North Carolina
did not let this physical impediment stop their war efforts. I choose
this document because the agreement details how women sought to aid the
struggle for freedom. No, they could not be soldiers, but they were
consumers, and by boycotting British products, the women inflicted
economic, if not physical damage, against the British forces oppressing
the American Colonies.
Document 4 Excerpt of a Letter From Arthur Iredell to James
Iredell,
January 31, 1775 in Reference to Edenton Ladies Agreement
http://womhist.binghamton.edu/amrev/doc5b.htm
I selected this document, as with the John Adams passage, because the
letter expresses amusement at the boycott organized by the women of
Edenton. I only utilized a small segment of the letter because I think the
language of the entire document might confuse an eleventh grade student.
The letter in its entirety might lead students to believe that Arthur
Iredell feared the effects of the boycott and admired women as a gender.
A more seasoned student, perhaps at the college level, would realize
Iredell's full response is very tongue in cheek.
I think the passage I focused on conveyed Iredell's belief that although
the boycott, if utilized across the thirteen colonies, could be dangerous
to England, women as a gender did not have the ability to organize and
maintain a boycott effort of that magnitude.
Document 5 Anonymous, "Account of Donations Received by the
Ladies in
their Several Districts for the Soldiers of the American Army", June 1780
http://womhist.binghamton.edu/amrev/doc15.htm
I selected this document because an astute student can extract from it a
significant amount of information. The document debunks many of the
misconceptions men had in reference to women's abilities outside the
domestic sphere in the revolutionary era. For example, women did not
command the respect as people who could organize a plan of attack, as the
men did in their military efforts. By viewing the assignment of streets
to small groups of women representatives, the ledger shows how the women
organized their efforts in a systematic method. In addition, not only did
they develop a road map to collection cultivation, women of this
organization maintained their own records. In an era in which women often
did not receive formal education, the document shows that some women could
maintain financial records, something societal norms prescribed that only
men could do. Finally, these women raised a lot of money in a time of
economic crisis. The monetary totals should impress on students the
success of the women's campaign.
Document 6 Esther Reed to George Washington, July 31, 1780 in
Response
to George Washington's Suggestion Money Collected be Used for Shirts
http://womhist.binghamton.edu/amrev/doc20.htm
Esther Reed's extreme fortitude in her discussions with George Washington
inspired my selesction of this document. Many women, faced with the
opposition from one of the leaders of the war effort, would have caved in
to Washington's demands. Reed not only held her ground, she continued to
assault Washington with arguments as to why his soldiers should receive
the donations directly. Though polite and almost deferential in her
arguments, Reed nevertheless made the point clear to Washington that she
would hold on to the money until a more acceptable distribution of the
funds surfaced. I believe this selection details how women began to
embrace the fruit of their efforts and as a result, began to defy, if
politely, male authority.
Document 7 George Washington to Esther Reed, August 10, 1780 in
Response to Reed's Continuing Suggestion Money Collected Go Directly to
Soldiers
http://womhist.binghamton.edu/amrev/doc22.htm
I selected this document because I could hear the exasperation in George
Washington's prose. Washington was painfully polite, but his response to
Reed reminded me of a parent admonishing his child. Basically, Washington
thanked Reed for her efforts, but he knew what would benefit his men most
effectively, with the least amount of disturbance.
Document 8 Esther Reed Obituary, Pennsylvania Gazette, September
27, 1780
http://womhist.binghamton.edu/amrev/doc26.htm
I think this document is significant because although the writer commended
Reed for her efforts in relation to the American Revolution, he delicately
attributes her unexpected death to her war efforts. The obituary can be
considered an early cautionary tale to women; if you move outside the
domestic sphere, even for a worthy cause, bad things will happen to you.
In addition, this piece nicely wraps up Documents 6 and 7, the exchanges
between George Washington and Esther Reed. Despite her continued
opposition to the use of the money her women collected for the procurement
of linen, that is exactly what happened to the money. Finally, the
obituary also details another role for women in the American Revolution
effort: preparing clothing for the troops.
Grading Reflections
Part A: Short Answer Questions
Document 1 As the question asks for two reasons why John Adams
should
remember
the female interest in the indecency declaration, obviously I would be
looking for two of the arguments she presented.
For example:
In the passage Abigail Adams reminds her husband all men would be tyrants
if they could. Also, she appeals to his intelligence by stating men with
sense dislike poor treatment of women.
Document 2 As the passage opens with, "As to your extraordinary
Code
of
Laws, I
cannot but laugh" the response I would be looking for would include the
fact that John Adams found his wife's concerns humorous and did not appear
to take her arguments seriously.
For example:
John Adams responded to his wife Abigail that he found her requests
humorous.
b The "tribe" to which John Adams referred was women. He
opens the passage with a listing of marginalized groups; the fact
that
he includes women in the marginalized ranks, shows the disregard for
women's rights.
An example of a complete answer would be:
The "tribe" John Adams referred to was women. That he chose to compare
their
potential discontent to the argument that the Declaration of
Independence would cause Negroes to disrespect their masters, illustrates
how little men of his type regarded women's rights.
Document 3 I would look for, at the very minimum, the mention of
tea and cloth as
examples of items boycotted by the ladies of Edenton, North Carolina.
Ideally, the answer should include the listing of the products but would
also identify them as British tea and cloth.
For example:
The women of Edenton, North Carolina, as a sign of their patriotism,
agreed to boycott British-made tea and cloth.
Document 4 To receive full credit for this question the student
would need to
identify the fact that Arthur Iredell did not believe the majority of
American women had the level of patriotism demonstrated by the Edenton
women.
For example:
In the letter to his brother James Iredell, Arthur Iredell states he does
not believe that many American towns have women as committed to patriotism
as were the women of Edenton; as a result the boycott could not ruin
England.
Document 5 A good answer would identify that women were the main
participants in
this movement, as demonstrated by the 'By who collected' column. Students
could determine the method of their collection based on the 'Districts'
column. As the 'Districts' column list street names, the student could
surmise that the women were assigned certain streets, hence their
collection method was a door to door appeal.
An example of a detailed answer:
Women collected money for this effort. "Mrs." preceded all the names on
the chart but one. As each group of women received set assignments of
their collection area, in the form of street names, it would appear their
appeal was door to door.
Document 6 I am looking for two things in this question. First,
the student
needs to identify that Reed suggests to Washington that she knows at least
2000 shirts have been sent to the troops, eliminating the need for her to
spend the money collected on more shirts. In addition, she viewed the
collection as a gift to the soldiers. As a gift, the money should not have
been used to fill a need, in this case shirts, as it was the function of
the state to address the needs of soldiers.
For example:
Esther Reed pointed out to George Washington that at least 2000 shirts had
been recently given to the soldiers, eliminating the need for more
shirts. She also goes on to say, items such as shirts should be supplied
by the state, as the state is responsible for the welfare of the military.
Reed believes the money served as a gift and therefore soldiers could
spend it anyway they wanted.
Document 7 I think the obvious answer would be that Washington
feared the
soldiers would purchase alcohol with the money, leading to mayhem.
Ideally students would also address the fact that Washington mentioned
that the paper money paid to the soldiers was depreciated. He feared that
if the men received money with value, they would protest about the
valueless currency with which they were paid.
For example:
Based on the document, George Washington not only fear unrest due to
alcohol purchases, he also feared that a gift of real money would cause
problems with his men, because the money they were being paid with was not
worth the paper it was printed on.
Document 8 This is a very simple answer. I am looking for
students to identify
that linen was purchased, so shirts could be made. I included the
question because it serves as a good wrap up for the previous two
documents, and the fact that shirts were made of the money collected,
despite Reed's objections, can be used in the essay question.
An example of a good answer:
The money collected was used towards the purchase of linen, which was used
to make shirts for Washington's army.
b The final segment of this passage stated that Reed's
efforts for her
country led to her death, which is the answer I would look for to this
question.
For example:
The obituary states Esther Reed's efforts, although commendable, resulted
in her death, as all the activity damaged her health.
Part B- Essay Response
The essay response should meet very specific requirements. Overall, the
essay must use five documents from Part A. The students should discuss
two female revolutionary activities and two reactions to the women's
activities. In addition, students must draw on outside knowledge for full
essay credit.
Structurally, the essay must have:
an introduction with defined thesis
body paragraphs that address and examine two female revolutionary
activities and two reactions to these activities
a strong conclusion that connects the body paragraphs to the thesis
I would not grade harshly on small misspellings or grammatical errors, but
for a paper rife with continued misspellings and/or grammatical errors, I
would grade down, even if the student met all other requirements.