Summary Of Revolutionary Mothers By Carol Berkin

Revolutionary Mothers by Carol Berkin is about woman in the time of the Revolutionary War that were affected by this event. When writing this monograph, Berkin focuses on the Patriot and Loyalist, American and British, and Indian and African American women. When Berkin writes in this way she makes the war seem more diverse to different groups of women and families. Although, there was a mixture of women they had similar qualities about them the author made clear she appreciates. All the women were tough, physically and emotionally along with being brave. The women of this time proved that they had the skill but did not fight for their equal rights. The women of the Revolution, despite their efforts were only supportive to the men in a male

Each group has a chapter, the points that Berkin capitalizes on are Patriot activists, on the home front, following armies, loyalist women in exile, Indian women, African American women, and women spies. The sources that Berkin uses to support her argument consist of documents from Edenton Resolves, American command and Philipsburg Proclamation. She also used The Book of Negroes, and Women of the American Revolution. The Edenton Resolves along with the other sources showed why they supported the British or the Americans. The Edenton Resolves showed how fifty-one women wanted to “compose and sign an agreement to boycott all British-made goods and products.” (21). Berkin using the Philipsburg Proclamation shows why Negro women were going to British camps, “…every Negro who shall desert the Rebel Standard” would be granted “full security to follow within these Lines, any occupation which he shall think proper.” (125).The Book of Negroes was used to show how the British treated African Americans. “Their names, along with the names of slaves belonging to white loyalists, were recorded in a log known as The Book of Negroes, which contained a description of each person. To guard against ship captains putting free black loyalists in irons and carrying them to the West Indies for sale,” (128). Women of the American Revolution was used as the main source in this monograph. Berkin uses letters, diaries, newspapers