Americans and the Revolution

Even though the Declaration of Independence showed that the colonial leaders had united against Britain not all of the colonists agreed. There was a deep divide between those staying loyal to the king and those that supported fighting for independence.

Taking Sides Colonists who supported fighting for independence were called Patriots. Those remaining loyal to the British king were called Loyalists. Many stayed neutral – they did not pick a side.

Hardships These divisions caused tension between families and friends. Churches also suffered division especially among those in the Church of England as the King was the leader of the Church. Towns were often robbed and destroyed by the British Army who would even steal from the colonists homes. Patriots would take goods from the British and even destroy their own goods, and even crops, to avoid the British gaining access. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGgaXXBkE8A

Inflation There was a shortage of imported British goods because the British set up blockades so trading ships could not enter the American ports. This shortage of goods caused inflation. Inflation is the rise in the price of goods. As a result, prices of goods increased and in some cases even doubled within a couple of months. Another cause of inflation was the decrease in the value of Continentals, the colonial paper money. To pay for the war, Congress printed more money , but by printing too much they were made less valuable

Economic Hardships Congress also struggled to pay for the war. They could not force states to contribute money and therefore the amount that was needed was not offered. Farmers and shopkeepers began profiteering or charging extra high prices for their crops and goods. Laws were passed to limit how much farmers could charge for food and to make it illegal for people to collect and hide large amounts of goods but many people ignored these laws.

Women and the War With men off fighting women needed to take on new roles. Many women ran the family farms and businesses. They raised money for the war and collected clothing for the soldiers. Other women followed their husbands from battle to battle. Martha Washington was one of these women. They would cook food and wash clothes in army camps and bring water to the soldiers during battle.

Women In the War Some women such as Sybil Ludington joined the men in battle. Ludington rode more than 40 miles to warn Americans of a British attack. Deborah Sampson dressed as a man so she could fight in the war. Margaret Corbin took her husband’s place in battle and was wounded. She was the first woman veteran to be recognized by Congress.

Some women used their talents to support the American’s cause Some women used their talents to support the American’s cause. Mercy Otis Warren wrote poems and stories bout people fighting for freedom. She also wrote a history if the American Revolution which was a first for a woman. Abigail Adams fought for freedom in letters she wrote to her husband John. She also cared for children who became homeless due to the war.

African Americans At the beginning of the war one in every five people was of African descent. There were some free Africans living in communities in northern cities such as Philadelphia , but most were slaves living in the South. Up to 5,000 Africans fought for the Continental Army. Many were promised their freedom for their service. The First Rhode Island Regiment was made up of soldiers who were promised their freedom.

James Armistead, a slave from Virginia, worked as a spy for George Washington. His information helped the Americans win an important battle at Yorktown. He was granted his freedom after the war was over.

“Liberty to Slaves” The British promised freedom to enslaved people who fought for them. There were over 300 African American soldiers from Virginia who fought for the British and they wore patches that said, “Liberty to Slaves.” Free African Americans chose sides as well and fought in important battles for both sides.

Native Americans Many Native Americans remained neutral when the war began, as did most of the settlers living to the west of the Appalachian mountains. The war soon divides the Native Americans, with the majority siding with the British. Mohawk leader, Thayendanega, also known as Joseph Brant, wanted to stop settlers from moving west and felt that helping the British would accomplish that. Groups such as the Oneida and Tuscarosa fought for the Patriot cause.