In the 18th century, just like today, it took a lot more than soldiers to support a military campaign. Armies of the time often resembled moving cities, with livestock, many wagons of supplies, and plenty of civilians traveling with the soldiers. Those civilians, known were broadly known as followers. Women and ChildrenWomen chose to follow their husbands, fathers, and sweethearts to war for a number of reasons. Some may have preferred the risks of traveling with an active army to staying home and living as a single woman for months or years. Others took advantage of the opportunity to earn a small living as nurses, laundresses, seamstresses, or sutlers. Whatever their reasons, followers faced many of the dangers and privations suffered by their men. |
Last updated: January 6, 2021