Introduction

Welcome Aboard, Mates! We are about to set sail back to the 1770's on a whimsicle adventure to the American Revolution. Get ready to meet some of the women that made our victory possible. Their sacrifices, inginuity, foresight, and cleverness has given them a place in history that we are about to uncover! A series of questions will follow with some great WebLinks to help you find the answers. Let's get paddling and discover more about the women pioneers of American Freedom!

Questions

1. -What rank was Molly Pitcher given following her participation in the Battle of Monmouth?
   
   
   -What job did Molly take over after her husband fell in battle?
   
   
   
2. What political group was Abigail Adams Associated with?
   
   
3. -What was Betsy Ross' occupation?
   
   
   -How old did Betsy Ross live to be?
   
   For extra credit, What was the average life expectancy the year Betsy Ross died? (You will have to do some detective work for this one, it is not located on this page.)
   
   
   
4. -What are two examples of other flags being flown during the American Revolution?
   
   
   -What special sewing skill did Betsy Ross possess that made her the perfect person to make the flag?
   
   -When was the new flag adopted? Specific date, please.
   
   
   
5. -What do these four women have in common?
   
   
   -Which of these women actually enlisted in the Army?
   
   
   -All of these women reacted as heroes in the face of danger. Can you think of any other heroic pioneers we have learned about so far this year?
   
   
   
6. What famous document did Abigail Adams influence in letters to her husband?
   
   
   
7. -What was unique about the situation Phillis Wheatley was in?
   
   
   -How did Phillis Wheatley make a contribution to the American Revolution?
   
   
   -Was Phillis Weatley ahead of her time? Explain.
   
   
   -Where was she raised?
   
   
   
8. -What were some of Phillis Wheatley's accomplishments?
   
   
   -When was Phillis Wheatley emancipated? What do you think this meant for her?
   
   

The Internet Resources

• Video Clip of Molly Pitcher
• The Life of Betsy Ross
• Biography of Abigail Adams
• Betsy Ross and the American Flag
• Africans in America: Phillis Wheatley
• Four Women of the Revolution
• Phillis Wheatley
• Abigail Adams

The Big Question

This one will take some creative thinking! You are the confidant of one of the women you learned about today. What are her fears? What are her successes? What does she hope to accomplish? What were her thoughts while in battle or while seeing others in battle? How does she see her role in the Revolution? What other roles does she see women have? Are there any roles that women don't have? Choose one of the women you have learned about today and write a journal entry answering these questions. Be creative and add any information you find necessary!