Daughters of Liberty

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The Daughters of Liberty were a successful Colonial American group that proved that though women had no help in politics, they were still important in civilization other than for the reproduction of male species. As public support to boycott British goods increased, the Daughters of Liberty joined the support to condemn British importation. They also made goods that used to be imported from Britain.

The Daughters of Liberty used their traditional skills to weave yarn and wool into fabric, known as "homespun". They were recognized as patriotic heroines for their success, which made America less dependent on British textiles. They were trying to prove their commitment to "the cause of liberty and industry". They were opposed to the Tea Act.

They also had a large influence during the war. For example, in the countryside, while Patriots supported the non-importation movements of 1765, and 1769, the Daughters of Liberty continued to support American resistance. In 1774, the patriot women helped influence a decision made by Continental Congress to boycott all British goods.

[edit] Women Associated with the Daughters of Liberty

Deborah Franklin was a daughter of liberty along with Abigail Adams. Sarah Bradlee Fulton has been called the "Mother of the Boston Tea Party". Her brother, Nathaniel Bradlee, was a patriot and many meetings were held in his home. A group of Boston citizens were disguised as Mohawk Indians in the Bradlee home by Mrs. Bradlee and Sarah Bradlee Fulton and afterwards bathed to remove their makeup.

Phoebe Fraunces was George Washington's black housemaid. Thomas Hickey, who was one of General Washington's bodyguards had been convinced to join the British side and was conspiring to kill Washington. Fraunces had noticed that Hickey was putting poison onto Washington's peas and Fraunces had soon informed washington of his evil plans. Hickey was convicted of conspiring to kill the General and was hung.

Esther de Berdt was a London-born woman who worked to raise money in Philadelphia with over three dozen women who went door to door in support of the Revolutionary War, more specifically to address General George Washington's compaints. She helped to organize a women's group which used the money to sew linen shirts for the soldiers of the Continental Army. She was married to Joseph Reed, one of George Washington's aides-de-camp, and later a delegate to the Continental Congress.