Garrett ENGL 227 Project
Kayla Garrett
Texas A&M University
225
The American Revolution was a period of constant change and uncertainty for every man, woman and child that lived in what would become the United States of America. Not only the white men who are remembered so famously for their roles in this great war were involved. In fact, women, african slaves, and Native Americans each played their own very distinctive and important parts in establishing an independent nation. This exhibit will examine those roles and also look at folklore that arose from this time period.
The Women of the American Revolution
|
In The Women of the American Revolution, author Elizabeth Fries Lummis Ellet explores the many important positions that women held in the war. From nursing wounded soldiers to sewing uniforms and providing meals, women undoubtedly were responsible for maintaining the wellbeing of many soldiers who fought on both sides of the conflict. There are also some women who have been made famous by the role they played as a support system for their husbands. One of the most recognized women in history, Betsy Ross, made her mark on our country during the revolution. Betsy was asked by the Flag Committee of the Continental Congress to sew the first American Flag. Although several women are widely recognized for their work during the revolution it is important for us to remember that many women toiled in the background making their own impact on the war. |
|
African American slaves are often not thought of when examining the American Revolution. Many however served as soldiers. Still others were forced to make weapons and other supplies for American soldiers. This painting by John Singleton Copley portrays a slave fighting on the side of the Loyalists. The British army agreed to provide freedom to escaped slaves who were willing to serve as soldiers. Through this tactic they gained a lot of man power. Some masters forced their slaves to fight for the Americans. Many slaves and former slaves that fought were the first to be sent to the front lines.
|
Black British Loyalist, American Revolution
|
|
Native Americans and American Identities in the Early Republic
|
Native Americans and American Identities in the Early Republic looks at the part Native Americans played not only in the Revolution but also in all major periods of early American history. In the war specifically, Native Americans were soldiers for both the Loyalists and the Americans. They also played a sort of shadowy role because many colonists felt that Native American conflicts were part of the conflict between themselves and the mother country. As soldiers, Native Americans were valuable because of their guerilla tactics. Loyalist Indians would attack seaboard towns suddenly from the interior of the forest. To persuade Natives to fight, both the British and the Americans made treaties and promised more consideration for Indian rights in the future.
|
|
The American Revolution also gave birth to some of the world's most influential documents. Even today, newly independent countries and states around the world use the American Constitution as a model to design their own. Many of the revolution's most famous authors attained their recognition from drafting documents such as The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the US, and the Articles of Confederation which was the governing document for America before the Constitution was written. Several famous speeches such as George Washington's farewell address are also widely recognized.
|
The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution of the United States, and Washington`s farewell address
|
|
The only woman in the town, and other tales of the American Revolution
|
American folklore is a famous genre that includes tales from the "Wild West", conquering the New World and the American Revolution. Many events and characters have been hyped up and blown out of proportion for the sake of entertainment and legend. In Paul Revere's Ride, historian David Hackett Fischer examines the real part that Paul Revere played in warning the colonists that the British were coming. "The Only Woman In The Town" and "Paul Revere's Ride" are just two of the many examples of tall tales and folklore from this time period (1775-1783).
|
The American Revolution meant change for everyone in the American colonies. Women, men, african americans, indians, and even children were in a way forced to adapt their lives to the war and play their parts. A lot of great literature and important characters were introduced to us from 1775-1783. Important documents that are still used today were drafted and took effect during and immediately after the revolution. Many great children's stories and tall tales have been passed down to us from their beginnings in the American Revolution. In short, a lot of recognition should be given to this time period for all of the contributions in literature, government, and American patriotism that it has given us today.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 3.0 United States License.