Families played an important role in the American Revolution. Most colonists, especially those who lived in rural areas, were farmers rather than businessmen. As a result, they left most of the management of their farms to their families.
They also had more time to spend on family activities than businessmen who worked outside of their homes and businesses. The significance of families in the American Revolution can be seen throughout American history and society as a whole. This significance is evident through marriage patterns, family life and child-rearing practices.
Even though family life was significant throughout American history, it became even more so during the period known as the “Age of Families” from 1750 to 1860. This age saw an increase in population, an increase in immigration from other countries and an increase in women’s rights and independence from extended family members or guardians once married. A detailed examination of these factors will reveal how families contributed significantly to the American Revolution
Marriage Patterns and Family Life During the American Revolution
Marriage patterns during the American Revolution remained largely the same as they were in Colonial times. That is, marriages were generally arranged by parents, with the consent of the couple and with an emphasis on economic marriage.
They were also generally arranged by social and economic classes, with less emphasis on romance. Marriage was also a time when young people were encouraged to commit themselves to one person. This commitment to one person was essential for a household because, until the Civil War, most families were comprised of a man, a woman and their children.
Cohabitation and divorce were both uncommon. Furthermore, young people were taught that the benefits of marriage were many, not only children but also security, support and companionship. For these reasons, marriage was considered important in most of the colonies to the point that it was considered a prerequisite to citizenship.
The Importance of Child-rearing Practices to Families During the American Revolution
With the increased immigration and population during the American Revolution, the need for good, productive workers increased. Children were thus expected to be well-behaved, productive members of society from an early age. In addition, children traditionally helped their parents with chores.
Since most families were comprised of just one married couple, the children were relied upon to do some of the work as well. Children were also expected to help with chores and work to earn money for their families. In many homes, children were expected to do things like clean, do laundry and prepare meals.
Children were also expected to help their parents with everyday tasks, like looking after the animals or fields. Children were expected to know how to take care of their own needs, whether that meant taking a bath, eating a meal or doing laundry. Children were also expected to learn responsibility by helping their parents with everyday tasks. It was important for children to realize that they had responsibilities to their families and the country.
Factors in an Increase in Population During the American Revolution
During the American Revolution, people in the colonies were involved in many wars. The successful outcome of these wars depended on the people fighting in them, which meant they depended on their families as well. The increased population of the colonies during this time can be directly linked to the many families who were involved in the war effort.
During wartime, militia units were made up of the entire male population of a colony. There was, however, a limit on how many men could join a militia unit, which meant that some men were left out. These men, especially if they were left out of a profitable trade or profession, would often join the war effort.
Furthermore, as the war dragged on, more and more men joined the war effort as an alternative to staying at home and doing nothing. These factors meant that there was an increased need for workers and soldiers. Companies of militia were often called up to help defend towns and colonies from the British, which meant more men were needed in these units.
Immigrants Played A Key Role In The Increase In Population
During the American Revolution, the United States became a nation of immigrants. The colonists were encouraged to immigrate to the Americas, both as a means to populate new lands and as a means to fight in the war. The British government was aware of the importance of immigration.
They hoped to keep the American colonies poor and underdeveloped, as they were at this time so that they would not be as threatening to their rule as the French and Spanish colonies were. Immigrants were therefore viewed as a threat to the British government and its rule.
Some immigrants were sent to the colonies as indentured servants or those who would work for some time in exchange for passage to America. These immigrants were not allowed to leave their employers, which meant that they had to remain in the colonies. In addition, Immigrants were often viewed as a threat to the colonists’ economy. They could take low-paying jobs and draw off the government’s resources.
Women’s Rights and Independence From Extended Family Members or Guardians Once Married
Women’s rights during the American Revolution remained largely the same as they were in Colonial times. That is, a woman’s place was in the home, taking care of household duties and children. Society expected women to be obedient and quiet and to obey their husbands.
A woman’s place in society was also seen as the major reason that women were not allowed to vote. Furthermore, during the American Revolution, some women fought alongside their husbands and militiamen in the war. These women played an important role because of their physical strength, which allowed them to help with weapons and military activities.
Marriage was a time for a couple to commit themselves to each other, but not to the state. This meant a couple had the right to leave their marriage if they were unhappy with it. Couples had the right to divorce as well. They could also freely choose whom they wanted to marry.
Once married, a couple was considered husband and wife and had no ties to extended family members or guardians. Couples were expected to look after their own needs, such as having a place to live and food to eat. They were also expected to work to support themselves and their families.
