About This Lesson
In Colonial and Revolutionary War eras, women had specific roles — primarily maintaining the household and child-rearing. Society’s structures were based on class and gender roles which were largely supported by the concept of family. A family’s name and success secured a social place, and families were usually large for a greater chance of carrying on the male lineage and expanding their influence or wealth in the local communities.
Though most women did not take a prominent role in public affairs or public settings, women were seen as the confidants and benefactors of male success in politics and business. Women could not participate in politics by holding office or voting, but many were self-informed about the political issues of the era and had strong opinions which sometimes influenced the men in their lives or social circles.
Some of the most influential women in mid-late 18th Century America were the wives or widows of influential men in politics and power. Widows, usually through their inheritance of their deceased husband’s property and possessions, held sway within social circles as well as the daughters of powerful leaders. It was rare for a woman of lower-class status to be published in a newspaper, give a speech before a gathered group of the elite, or produce an opinion that influenced how the broader, secular colonial society thought.
Upon completion of this lesson, the students will be able to:
1 . Knowledge
- Discuss the role of women in 1700’s Colonial America society and culture and how those norms contributed to women’s roles during the American Revolution.
2. Comprehension/Application/Analysis
- Read through primary source documents, create a list of observations about 18th Century social and legal norms for women, and consider what changes might have been useful.
3. Evaluation
- Evaluate how women’s roles and the social norms influenced their opinions and actions during the Revolutionary War.
This Lesson Plan can be used as a prepared resource by following this curriculum plan which aligns to NCSS and Common Core Standards.
This Lesson Plan's assets can also be used on their own as supplemental resources.
