Life on the Home Front Learning Objective: Describe life on the home front during the American Revolution

Problems in the Economy Paying for the war is a challenge Continental Congress had no power to raise money through taxes.

Received some money from states; but not enough Printed hundreds of millions of dollars of paper money; inflation rose

New Ways of Thinking Idea of liberty and freedom inspired the American Revolution Women begin to question their role in society

During the war, women had to take care of the families by themselves; run a farm or business without husband’s help

Questioning Slavery Some Americans begin to question slavery 1778, governor of New Jersey asked his government to free all slaves; slaves in New Hampshire made similar requests

Questioning Slavery 1780 – PA legislature becomes first in the world to pass a plan to gradually free enslaved people; other northern states follow Issue of slavery remains unsettled for years

Treatment of Loyalists Thousands fight on side of the British Spied on Patriots Many left for England or Spanish-owned Florida

Treatment of Loyalists Those remaining were often shunned by neighbors; others were victims of violence Those who actively helped British were arrested and in a few cases executed