“The Sentiments of an American Woman” (1780), authored by Esther Reed, was a patriotic broadside urging women to actively support the Revolutionary War effort—framing female civic engagement as both virtuous and historically justified.

Overview of The Sentiments of an American Woman (1780)

Author and Context

Written by Esther de Berdt Reed, wife of Continental Army officer Joseph Reed, this broadside was published in Philadelphia in 1780 amid growing concerns over troop morale and supply shortages. Reed founded the Ladies Association of Philadelphia, which mobilized women to raise funds and produce clothing for soldiers. Her essay served as a rallying cry for women across the colonies to contribute materially and morally to the war effort.

Core Themes and Rhetoric

Reed’s message is both patriotic and feminist, invoking classical heroines and biblical figures to justify women’s participation in public life. Key themes include:

• Active Patriotism: Reed writes that women “aspire to render themselves more really useful,” moving beyond “barren wishes” to tangible support for the Revolution.
• Historical Precedent: She cites Deborah, Judith, Esther, and Volumnia—women who defended their nations in times of crisis—to argue that American women should follow their example.
• Moral and Civic Duty: The essay frames women’s contributions as essential to national survival, asserting that “our ambition is kindled by the fame of those heroines of antiquity”.
• Challenge to Gender Norms: Reed acknowledges that “opinion and manners” prevent women from marching to glory like men, but insists they can “equal, and sometimes surpass them in our love for the public good”.

Impact and Legacy

• Fundraising Success: The Ladies Association raised over $300,000 (in contemporary value) to support the Continental Army, inspiring similar efforts in Virginia, New Jersey, and Maryland.
• Civic Precedent: Reed’s call to action helped establish a tradition of female civic engagement, influencing later movements for abolition, suffrage, and wartime relief.
• Cultural Significance: The document is one of the earliest examples of American women asserting a collective political identity, blending Enlightenment ideals with revolutionary fervor.

Though Reed died shortly after its publication, her essay remains a landmark in the history of American women’s political thought.

Sources:
Encyclopedia Virginia – Full Text and Context
Women & the American Story – Summary and Analysis
American Battlefield Trust – Historical Background