What are camp followers in the Civil War?

What are camp followers in the Civil War?

Camp followers were groups of civilians who followed armies and they were either wives and children of soldiers or informal army service providers who sold services, like cooking, to the army. The female relatives of the soldiers often provided the services of cooking, laundering and sewing.

Who were camp followers and what did they do?

Camp followers contributed to the daily responsibilities of maintaining the army by performing traditionally domestic tasks. One such role was serving as washerwomen for enlisted men and officers, which was essential for hygiene and the prevention of communicable diseases among the encampments.

What is the meaning of a camp follower?

Definition of camp follower 1 : a civilian (such as a prostitute) who follows a military unit to attend or exploit military personnel. 2 : a disciple or follower who is not of the main body of members or adherents especially : a politician who joins the party or movement solely for personal gain.

What are camp wives?

As it turns out, most Camp Followers were wives or girlfriends of soldiers. They were expected to be “honest, laborious Women.” Soldiers’ wives had to prove their worth to the army. Both Continental and British army orders stipulated that they had to be of good character, and had to be productive.

Did the British have camp followers?

There are no statistics on camp followers for the colonial wars, but about 20,000 women had paid positions with the American troops at some point during the American Revolution. British, Hessian, and Loyalist troops add from 3,000 to 5,000 more women to the total.

Who supported her husband and improved camp morale at Valley Forge?

Martha Washington
Martha Washington (1732-1802) – During the Revolutionary War, Martha joined her husband for part of each winter encampment he attended, including the 1777-1778 encampment at Valley Forge.

What type of work did camp followers do quizlet?

Camp Followers were women who followed the troops and supported the war effort through nursing, doing laundry, cooking and in some cases, picking up weapons to fight.

Did the Roman army have camp followers?

Camp followers usually accompanied the baggage train and they often outnumbered the army itself, adding to its logistical problems. They also had to be policed; camp followers could be among the most determined scavengers and looters after battles and whilst on the march.

What did the daughter of liberty do?

Activities. The main task of the Daughters of Liberty was to protest the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts through aiding the Sons of Liberty in boycotts and non-importation movements prior to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

Who led the forces at Yorktown?

General George Washington
On October 19, 1781, British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered his army of some 8,000 men to General George Washington at Yorktown, giving up any chance of winning the Revolutionary War.

When was battle of Yorktown?

September 28, 1781 – October 19, 1781Siege of Yorktown / Period

When British General Lord Charles Cornwallis and his army surrendered to General George Washington’s American force and its French allies at the Battle of Yorktown on October 19, 1781, it was more than just military win.

What was Benjamin Franklin most instrumental in?

Franklin returned to Philadelphia in 1775. There he served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, where he was instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation to form a new union.