Unsung Heroines of the American Revolution

In this lesson, students explore the life of Anna Smith Strong, the only female member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring. Through close reading and character analysis, they examine how her courage helped deliver top‐​secret information during the Revolutionary War while practicing evidence‐​based discussion and writing skills.

In this lesson, students explore the life of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who won her freedom through the legal system during the Revolutionary War. Through close reading and character analysis, they examine how her curiosity and courage helped her challenge injustice while practicing evidence‐​based discussion and writing skills.

In this lesson, students explore the life of Nanyehi (Nancy Ward), a Cherokee leader and peacemaker during the American Revolution. Through close reading and character analysis, they examine how her leadership and humanity shaped treaty negotiations while practicing evidence‐​based discussion and writing skills.

In this lesson, students explore the life of Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War. Through close reading and character analysis, they examine how her grit shaped her service to the Patriot cause and later role as one of the nation’s earliest female lecturers while practicing evidence‐​based discussion and writing skills.

In this lesson, students explore the life of Esther de Berdt Reed, who published “The Sentiments of an American Woman” and led a major fundraising effort for American troops during the Revolutionary War. Through close reading and character analysis, they examine how her compassion inspired collective action while practicing evidence‐​based discussion and writing skills.