1. The American revolution
The role of women, slaves, and Native Americans

2. The Role of Women Women took on many roles in the American Revolution
Some were traditional while some were scandalous and unconventional
These women who participated are considered to be part of the Daughters of Liberty

3. The Role of Women as Nurses
They were “camp followers” (mothers, daughters, and wives who followed their male companions for food and protection)
Nurses received $.24 a day and a full food ration
Most nurses actually fed and bathed soldiers, emptied chamber pots

4. The Role of Women as Seamstresses, Cooks, and Maids
Most common roles
Cooks, maids, laundresses, water bearers, and seamstresses for the army
Most were poor wives and daughters who were accustomed to doing housework

5. The Role of Women as Soldiers
Women were not allowed to join the military, but some served as secret soldiers
Disguised themselves as men by cutting their hair, binding their breasts with bandages, and adopting masculine names.
Most were young, unmarried, and poor and wanted to earn money to support their families

6. The Role of Women as Spies
Many women served as spies (the actual number is not known)
Many worked as cooks and maids for the militaries and would eavesdrop on conversations
They carried messages to those they spied for while making deliveries of supplies

7. The Role of Slaves in the American Revolution
African American soldiers fought at Lexington & Concord (Apr 1775), but the 2nd Continental Congress stopped enlistment and later stopped it after the British tried to enlist the slaves
They had important roles at Fort Ticonderoga and Bunker Hill
Several thousand slaves won their freedom from their service
Others freed themselves by running away

8. The Role of Native Americans
Native Americans saw the war as a disaster
Patriots tried to get the Natives to help them strategize using the land, but Natives knew that independence would be a further threat to them (in other words- they didn’t trust the Americans)
Most Native tribes chose to support the British including the Iroquois Confederacy (six tribes that united)
American victory affected Native lands (even those who sided with the Americans)