For many years, most women have been regarded as weaker beings compared to men. This made them not be tasked with various activities that society perceived to be masculine or required men’s effort. Due to this perception, their main duties revolved around the household and taking care of children.
The economy of early America was not as it is today. Life was hard and it required a joint effort from the Americans to uplift the economy. During this era, John Smith discouraged laziness by suggesting lazy people not be given food. Women were considered to be weaker vessels who required protection from any threat by men. In the early times in America, men were tasked with responsibilities like fishing, providing security, manual work on the farm among many others. On the other hand, women contributed positively to the economy by engaging in activities that generated revenue for themselves and their country (Gilge, 1997).
The women’s cores ranged from cooking, sewing, taking care of domesticated animals as well as making soap clothes and candles to mention but just a few. They could produce blankets and clothing which they sold to the entire population. This impacted well to the American economy, though they were considered to be the weaker sex, their activities enhanced the American economy. Being influential in the domestic economy, they went a mile further in refusing to buy products and goods from Britain in support of what they were producing.
Christopher Gadsden, in the year 1979, was one of the personnel that recognized the role of women in the economy and reiterated how women could save the economy that was dwindling at that time. The tea boycott of 1973 where women supported the use of products that were manufactured in their own country marked key support as well as their influential capability. Though they were not lawmakers, they played a major role in making sure such laws were implemented. Their actions made it easier for local industries to thrive and also enhancing of the domestic economy.
To enhance their support for local products, in 1977, several women marched to a warehouse that was said to have coffee. They took and confiscated it which showed their full support of products from their country. The household economy helped women in early America to become more business-minded which helped the economy that was not doing well at that time. They became more affiliated to activities that generated income as well as showering their support to commodities that were manufactured from within (Gilge, 1997).
Women in early America can be said to have played a crucial role in the development of business in the country. Their fabric and textile activities generated income and motivated them to manufacture more. Their act of opposing of importation of goods from Britain acted as a catalyst of promoting their local industries and making sure there was job creation for its citizens.
Before the capitalist way of governance took its toll, women used to make things for their use in their homes. The birth of capitalists led to more demand for the things they used to make like dresses which saw their inclusion in the business field. To my opinion, the capitalist movement helped women get recognition and appreciation for their effort. One such recognition came to a bout when they demonstrated against the use of imported things and rather propagated for locally made items (Colonial times, u.d).
Women played an important role in the liberation of the American economy. They not only did the home chores as was initially their duties but helped in facilitating the growth of their economy, thereby increasing the employment rate.
References
Gilge, P. (1997). Wages of independence: capitalism in the early American republic. U.S.A: Lowman and Littlefield publishers, INC.
Colonial times. Web.