American Revolution Patriots > Daughters of Liberty
Daughters of Liberty
Background
The Daughters of Liberty were a group of colonial women who played a significant role in supporting the American Revolutionary War and promoting the Patriot cause. Formed as a counterpart to the Sons of Liberty, the Daughters of Liberty used their skills, resources, and social influence to organize boycotts, produce homemade goods, and foster a spirit of resistance against British policies. Here is an overview of their contributions and impact:
Formation and Purpose
Background and Motivation:
- The Daughters of Liberty emerged in the 1760s in response to increasing British taxation and regulation, particularly the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts of 1767.
- Women in the colonies were directly affected by these taxes, as they were responsible for managing households and purchasing goods.
Goals:
- The primary goals of the Daughters of Liberty were to support the boycott of British goods, encourage the production of American-made products, and promote the idea of self-sufficiency among the colonies.
- They sought to reduce the colonies' dependence on British imports and to undermine British economic power.
Key Activities and Contributions
Boycotts and Non-Importation Agreements:
- The Daughters of Liberty organized and participated in widespread boycotts of British goods, particularly tea, textiles, and other household items.
- These boycotts were part of larger non-importation agreements that aimed to pressure Britain economically to repeal the unpopular acts.
Homespun Movement:
- One of the most significant contributions of the Daughters of Liberty was the promotion of the "homespun" movement. Women spun yarn and wove cloth at home to create textiles and clothing, thus avoiding the purchase of British imports.
- Public spinning bees, where women gathered to spin and weave together, became both a social and political act, symbolizing resistance and solidarity.
Tea Boycotts:
- The boycott of British tea was a powerful symbol of resistance. Women refused to buy or consume British tea, instead brewing homemade herbal teas known as "Liberty Tea" from local plants like raspberry leaves and mint.
- This act of defiance was especially significant after the passing of the Tea Act of 1773, which led to events such as the Boston Tea Party.
Supporting the War Effort:
- During the Revolutionary War, the Daughters of Liberty continued to support the Patriot cause by providing supplies, making uniforms, and caring for soldiers.
- They also raised funds for the Continental Army and engaged in other forms of direct and indirect support for the war effort.
Impact and Legacy
Economic Impact:
- The efforts of the Daughters of Liberty had a tangible economic impact, reducing the demand for British goods and contributing to the financial strain on Britain.
- Their promotion of American-made products helped foster a sense of independence and self-reliance in the colonies.
Social and Political Influence:
- The Daughters of Liberty played a crucial role in mobilizing colonial women and demonstrating that women could actively participate in political resistance.
- Their actions helped to expand the scope of the Patriot movement, showing that resistance to British rule was a collective effort involving all members of colonial society.
Legacy:
- The legacy of the Daughters of Liberty is evident in their contributions to the success of the American Revolution and the precedent they set for women's involvement in political and social movements.
- They are remembered as early advocates for women's roles in public life and as examples of patriotic dedication and resourcefulness.
Conclusion
The Daughters of Liberty were instrumental in the American Revolutionary War, using their skills and influence to support the Patriot cause through boycotts, domestic production, and direct aid to the war effort. Their contributions not only helped undermine British economic power but also demonstrated the critical role women played in the fight for American independence. The legacy of the Daughters of Liberty continues to inspire and remind us of the importance of collective action and the contributions of women in shaping history.
Famous Women
Betsy Ross
See Betsy Ross
Sarah Franklin Bache
Martha Washington
Martha Washington was the wife of George Washington.
Esther de Berdt Reed
a London-born woman who worked to raise money in Philadelphia, went door to door with over three dozen women in support of the Revolutionary War, more specifically to address General George Washington's complaints. She helped to organize a women's group, which used the money to sew linen shirts for the soldiers of the Continental Army. Esther was married to Joseph Reed, one of George Washington's aides-de-camp and later a delegate to the Continental Congress.Deborah Sampson
See Deborah Sampson
disguised herself as a man and enlisted as a Continental Army soldier 1782-83, was wounded twice and was later awarded a soldier's pension. She is also known as the leader of the Daughters of Liberty.Maude Epperson
See Maude Epperson
was also among the group of ladies that helped form the Daughters Of Liberty.Molly Pitcher
See Molly Pitcher
generally believed to have been Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, served on the battlefield during the Battle of Monmouth, helping Revolutionary soldiers who were collapsing from the heat by bringing them water from a nearby spring, today called the "Molly Pitcher Spring". Then, when her husband, William Hays, collapsed either from being wounded or from heat exhaustion, she took his place at a canon. When the battle ended, George Washington rewarded Molly Pitcher by making her a non-commissioned officer, and she became known as "Sergeant Molly". She was also part of a group of women led by Martha Washington, known as camp followers.
