Minority Groups in the Revolution:
Women, Blacks and Native American
Cherdae O. Kirkland
History 121 02A Instr. Shuman
April 19, 2011

Introduction
The American Revolution began in 1775. It was a war fought between Great Britain and thirteen British colonies. It was also called the American Revolutionary War, United States War of Independence. The conflict between the British troops and the colonist began in Lexington and Concord Massachusetts when the Patriots (colonists who rebelled against British control) fired at British Soldiers in April 1775. Tensions were mounting from the Patriots or colonists, who were an angry about having to pay British taxes with little or no parliament representation. The Patriots wanted their independence from British rule and the opportunity to form the own government system. Although the war was originally a civil war between the British and the thirteen colonies, it quickly turned into an international conflict. This war lasted for eight years. “The turmoil of the revolution disrupted traditional class and social relationships and helped transform the lives of people who had long been relegated to the social periphery---African Americans, women and Indians.”

Role of Women in the American Revolutionary War
During the American Revolution, women played an active role in the British and American armies. Many of these women were wives and daughters of the soldiers. A lot of the women made small contributions to the war, but those contributions were life changing. With their men off to war, the women took up the men’s labor in addition to their roles as homemakers. They plowed the fields and melted down pots and pans to make shot. They also handled supplies and served as spies or couriers. According to author, David C. King:
“A number of young patriot women made daring rides carrying important messages, often