Molly Pitcher Research Paper

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The deafening sounds of canons firing. The horrific stench of blood permeating the air. Smoke from firing muskets hanging in the air. No sign of hope or respite. Until, from between the horses and corpses, a woman was spotted carrying water to cool down both soldiers and cannons. As her husband is killed, she grabs his musket and takes his place, fighting right alongside the men. This is the legend of Molly Pitcher. While this story has circulated heavily over the centuries following the American Revolutionary War, many questions remain. Does Molly Pitcher really exist and if so, who is she? In doing further research, the story of Molly Pitcher will be examined, causing a greater picture of women’s role in the American Revolution to emerge. The story …show more content…
Historians often attempt to pin the identity of Molly Pitcher on a single individual. Through research, a variety of possible candidates will be examined and evaluated. The idea that the image of Molly Pitcher is a culmination of various individuals will also be considered. Possible candidates for the examination include Mary Ludwig Hays, Margaret Corbin, and Deborah Sampson. Each of these women and their stories are shrouded in mystery, but many of the details of their heroics line up with the myth of Molly Pitcher. History Professor Emily J. Teipe’s work “Will the Real Molly Pitcher Please Stand Up?” will be assessed and her analysis of the individuals will be considered. Additionally, the depiction of Molly Pitcher in legend speaks volumes about the role women played in the American Revolution. The way the Molly Pitcher story is presented in some accounts makes it seem as though women on the battlefield were not too out of the ordinary. Women actively participating in both artillery and nursing will be examined in the larger
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