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

3. 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

4. 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  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

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

6. Summary  Why did the value of paper money fall?  How did the role of women on the home front change during the war?  How did the ideas of slavery begin to change? Activity suggestions: create poster in favor of freeing enslaved people; illustrate treatment of loyalists