The role of colonial women changed immensely during the American Revolution. Women fought to be heard, while living on the edge of political life, coping with the fact that men occupied the public space of politics and work. This long struggle for equality helped women in gaining the strength and determination they needed during this time. Nevertheless, women did not win these rights they hoped for. Instead they were cast in a new role: Republican Motherhood. "Although Republican Motherhood improved women's educational opportunities and offered them a public role of sorts, it stopped far short of conferring legal equality and full voting citizenship". (introduction 45).
Prior to the Revolutionary war the "main contribution of the colonial women was to bear and raise their children" while men would take on tasks such as hunting, fishing and farming. (lecture, 1/24) Women remained at home "engaging in important household tasks such as spinning, weaving, baking, washing and food preservation and preparation." (introduction, 42) Occupied with their everyday tasks women never left the confines of their own homes restricted to the knowledge and choices they could obtain. Most women did not know how to read or write while men on the other hand were literate and therefore respected. The men of the house were superior while the women were looked at like a "weaker vessel." (introduction, 42) Even during the Revolutionary war when men were away women participated in war efforts, which was a significant political contribution. The women made quilts, food, clothing and uniforms for the soldiers. Regardless of sides a women would run to any soldier on the battlefield in order to help. A man's idea of political expression was based on strength. This strength enabled them to control the government and the writing of the constitution.
The constitutional era for women became a huge disappointment.