Revolutionary War Women's Rights Essay

The Revolutionary War did not result in profound change as other wars, such as the Civil War and the French Revolution. However, it did challenge some social customs and ideals, gender roles, and even slavery. Women’s rights were highlighted during this time and although they did not receive equal rights to men they did reap some benefits. Although slavery did not end, ideas of freedom and emancipation were conceived. When colonists first settled in the America’s they preached the superiority of men. Men were the providers and women were the caretakers. Their job was to cook, clean, take care and educate the children. After the enlightenment, the idea that a republic could only survive if people were educated and virtuous

Slavery was challenged by Quakers who developed the first antislavery society. As this faction became popular, other groups like this emerged throughout the colonies. The abolition of the slave trade called on by the Continental Congress was surprisingly somewhat successful as a majority of the colonies obliged. Some states, went beyond and abolished slavery in their state. Northerners did not rely or benefit from slavery economically as much as southerners did so it was easier for slavery to be deemed wrong in their minds. In the north slaves were emancipated, however, in both the north and south laws were created to discriminate and restrict the rights of African Americans. Laws against owning land, obtaining certain jobs, interracial marriage, and educating their kids, were some of many laws to come discriminating against African Americans. During the Revolutionary War, a fight for independence, one would think that the founding fathers would abolish slavery completely, instead they continue to allow the practice of slavery. The founding fathers felt that a fight over slavery would hurt the unification of the union. The Revolution did not completely rid the United States of slavery, but it did spark the conversation and idea of the abolishment of