Women's Boycotts

1393 Words6 Pages

Although this went on throughout most of the colonial period, there was no immediate need for change. That is up to the protest over the Stamp Act began. In her book, Berkin describes their first political act was to say “No” by participating in boycotts to protest British policies (p. 13). During this period, numerous women decided to refuse the purchase and use British tea and textiles in order to repeal against the Stamp Act, which required that all government issued stamps be placed on all legal documents (p.13) Doing this would impose direct taxation on of the growing poor colonial society. Women of all backgrounds came together as they were major consumers. Within a short period of time, the Stamp Act was repealed. Although this wasn’t …show more content…

These statements were anonymously printed in newspapers and became a new and courageous move towards traditional beliefs. For the most part, it was positively received, especially when it supported the same causes that their husbands supported. Women became much more aware that their daily functions/actions could be seen as political acts and became concerned about their civic duties. William Tennet III insisted that women could save the colonies (pg.21) in which is what they fully intended to support despite the heavy costs that were imposed. Particularly, in the book, Berkin allows the reader to grasp the feeling of accomplishment caused by their previous efforts that were indeed successful. Without a doubt, pride was in the air. However, there was a home-front war brewing in the midst of all of the …show more content…

In one of her chapters she noted “In war as in peace, a pervasive sense of shame prevented women from reporting attacks to authorities “(pg.39) which leaves to the readers imagination on what acts were committed during this era in time. Sadly, this was not the last of the tragic tales. There was more to consider as some women who were in poverty with numerous mouths to feed, very little resources to stay alive and fearful of their safety due to British army attacks. Instead, women had decided that it was better to follow their husbands' military units than to remain at home. Considered as “trulls” or “baggage” (pg.51), they marched with the military troops despite having to carry huge packs on their backs while holding their children in arms. Numbered in the thousands, the female population varied. The generals deemed them as necessary nuisances. Not only did these women serve as camp followers, they performed the domestic chores as they did at home that involved cooking and cleaning for the military and were paid modest wages for their