Women and the American Revolution

About this episode

Historians Mary Beth Norton and Rosemarie Zagarri discuss the influence of women during the American Revolution.

Acclaimed historians Mary Beth Norton, the Mary Donlon Alger Professor Emerita of American History at Cornell University, and Rosemarie Zagarri, distinguished university professor of history at George Mason University, examine how women influenced the political, social, and intellectual currents of the American Revolution. The conversation explores how women’s experiences and contributions deepen and expand our understanding of America’s founding. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. This program was streamed live from Philadelphia on March 23, 2026, as a part of the NCC's America's Town Hall Series. Resources Mary Beth Norton, Founding Mothers & Fathers: Gendered Power and the Forming of American Society Mary Beth Norton, 1774: The Long Year of Revolution Rosemarie Zagarri, Revolutionary Backlash: Women and Politics in the Early American Republic Rosemarie Zagarri, “The Declaration’s Grievances Against the King” Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr…

People in this episode

Host: Julie Silverbrook

Guests: Mary Beth Norton, Rosemarie Zagarri

Topics covered

• Women in history
• American Revolution
• Political influence
• Social contributions
• Intellectual currents

Keywords

• American Revolution
• women's history
• Mary Beth Norton
• Rosemarie Zagarri
• political influence
• social contributions
• intellectual history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cornell University, George Mason University, National Constitution Center

Books & works: Founding Mothers & Fathers: Gendered Power and the Forming of American Society, 1774: The Long Year of Revolution, Revolutionary Backlash: Women and Politics in the Early American Republic, The Declaration’s Grievances Against the King

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