In 1775, Britain ruled 13 colonies on the East Coast of North America.
They stretched from Massachusetts to Georgia. Many colonists were tired of British rule. For years, they had argued with Britain about taxes and laws they thought were unfair. Finally, in April 1775, fighting broke out between the colonists and the British army. The American Revolution had begun.
At the time of the Revolution, women were expected to spend their lives taking care of the home and family. Women cooked meals over an open fire. They milked the cows and fed the chickens. They churned butter and made candles and soap. Most of them even made their family’s clothing. Poor women and enslaved African-American women did all these things. On top of all that, they worked for other people too. Women didn’t take part in politics or business. The world of politics was only for white male property owners.
Still, many women took part in events that led up to the Revolution—and in the Revolution itself. Some of these women were Patriots. They believed in independence for the colonies. Other women were Loyalists. They supported Britain’s king. All these women were very brave to act as they did.
