Life During the Revolution

I. Politics and Economics A.Money 1.Congress had to borrow money to pay for the war Wealthy Americans Foreign governments (ex: France) 2.Began printing money called the Continental 3.So many were printed that they became worthless and caused inflation (price increase) B.Corruption 1.Some military supplies had to be smuggled from overseas 2.Corrupt merchants hoarded, overcharged, or sold defective goods 3.Some corrupt officials engaged in these activities as well C.Robert Morris

I. Politics and Economics A.Money B.Corruption C.Robert Morris - wealthy Philadelphia merchant 1.Used personal finances to borrow money for the war effort (Along with Haym Salmon) 2.Raised funds from many sources including Quakers and Jewish Americans 3.Morris and Salmon’s efforts allowed soldiers to be paid in gold coins

II. Civilians during the War A.Women 1.Ran farms and shops if husbands were fighting 2.Support roles for the troops (washing, cooking, sewing uniforms, etc.) 3.In a few instances some women saw combat ex: Mary McCauly (“Molly Pitcher”) at the Battle of Monmouth B.Africans and Native Americans 1.Slaves who escaped went to northern cities or joined Native American tribes 2.Around 5000 African Americans served in the Continental Army 3.Most Native Americans stayed out of the fight or helped the British