Women of the Revolution


Social Studies American History American Revolution Women of the Revolution
Students name any woman who was active during the American Revolution. Then they explore the actions of the Daughters of Liberty. Next they explain Abigail Adams’s “Remember the ladies” letter. Finally, they analyze the Betsy Ross story and explain why historians consider it a legend.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for Women of the Revolution:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students name any woman who was active during the American Revolution. Then they explore the actions of the Daughters of Liberty. Next they explain Abigail Adams’s “Remember the ladies” letter. Finally, they analyze the Betsy Ross story and explain why historians consider it a legend.

In scene 4, students explain how historians use primary sources to verify the facts of historical events. If your students have not yet been introduced to the terms primary sources and secondary sources, give them an introduction before starting this experience.

Encourage interested students to research additional women and the role of women in the war effort.

Estimated duration: 30–40 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • primary source
  • seamstress

Objectives

  • Describe the role of women during the American Revolution.
  • Analyze the question of whether or not Betsy Ross designed the first U.S. flag.


Engage


When we talk about the American Revolution and the founding of the nation, we often use terms like the Founding Fathers and the Sons of Liberty. We talk about leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. In this experience, you will also learn about some of the many women who contributed to the American Revolution.

Objectives

  • Describe the role of women during the American Revolution.
  • Analyze the question of whether or not Betsy Ross designed the first U.S. flag.


A woman firing a cannon, with American revolutionary soldiers behind her

Molly Pitcher Firing Cannon at Monmouth, by E. Percy Moran (1911)


Name a woman who contributed to the American Revolution. To list more than one name, separate them with a comma, like this: Alexa, Blanca.

Post your answer

Sample names that students may know: Betsy Ross, Abigail Adams, Molly Pitcher, Martha Washington, Phillis Wheatley. If students have difficulty coming up with names, point out that the historical narrative often ignores the point of view of “minorities” and “the other.”


In recent years, there has been a movement to tell U.S. history from the view of all the people involved, including women, African Americans, American Indians, and immigrants. Telling the history from the viewpoint of women has been named herstory.


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