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

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

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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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