While some roles were traditional in that they were mostly domestic, other roles were unconventional and unusual for women during this time period. Their presence was a declaration that everyone made sacrifices for the revolutionary cause.
The significance of the contributions made by American women became increasingly apparent as the colonies and commoners struggled for their independence. The war gave some women the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to assume responsibilites regarded as male-specific.
Women behind the war
The Revolution was not solely fought by high-ranking men often regarded as our "founding fathers". Men and women of different ranks contributed to the victorous outcome. Women did not fight in combat with the army, but their support knew no bounds. Though women were noncombatants, they were subjected to the same fates and consequences of war had they not offered help. Women were there in anyway they were needed---incessant in their assistance to their men and therefore, in many ways conducive to America's win. They often followed their husbands in the Continental Army and were known as campfollowers.
Campfollowers
Campfollowers were civilians who followed armies selling goods and services and tended to the domestic side of army organization. They were tasked with cooking, washing and maintaining cleanliness, mending clothes and providing medical help when neccessary.
Nurses
Military nursing at this time was considered an innately female talent making it the perfect role for untrained soldiers' wives. These nurses did mostly custodial work, feeding and bathing patients and establishing as much sanitation and sterlity as possible. They often introduced innovations such as stone hot-water bottles and 'go-chairs' (wheelchairs) to heighten a patient's comfort and promote recovery. Despite the risk associated with nursing, the mortality rate in hospitals was increasingly high, many women did not back down. (See Her-story in History for examples of famous female nurses).
Seamstresses, Cooks and Maids
These were the most common roles for women in the Revolutionary War. Although these roles were often regarded as ordinary womanly duties, this was the first time women held these jobs in the military since these positions were usually reserved for male soldiers. Most of the women were poor wives, daughters, and mothers who were accustomed to doing housework, so they were well equipped for the positions.
Soldiers
Women were not officially allowed to join the military at the time, but many women still served as secret soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Women typically disguised themselves as men by clipping their hair, binding their breasts, adopting masculine names and exhibiting behavior associated with masculinity. Female soldiers often 'enlisted' to earn money for their struggling families and of course, to fight for America's independence. Unfortunately their brave actions were not always applauded or welcomed. Female soldiers were often jailed for actions that should have been viewed as heroic and valiant. (See Her-story in History for examples of famous female soldiers)
Spies
Some women also served as spies during the American Revolution. Most of these female spies were cooks and maids for both the American and British military camps where they eavesdropped on conversations about military strategies and plans, weapons and supply shortages as well as deliveries and troop movements. (See Her-story in History for examples of famous spies)
Republican Motherhood
The role of Republican Motherhood stressed a woman's responsibility for raising her children in accordance with republican values and perceptions especially in terms of morality, independence and American pride.