<P> Using the colonies of Virginia and Maryland as a case study, Mellen argues that women in the mid-18th century, had a significant role in the world of print and the public sphere . The voice of women was spread through books, newspapers, and popular almanacs . Some women writers sought equal treatment under the law and became involved in public debates even before the Stamp Act controversy of 1765 . </P> <P> A powerful coercive tool the Americans used to protest British policies after 1765 was the boycott of imported British consumer goods . Women played an active role in encouraging patriotic boycotts and monitoring compliance . They refused to purchase imports, while emphasizing the virtues of avoiding luxury by using homespun clothing and other locally made products . Breen says, "the consumer boycott was a brilliantly original American invention ." O'Dowd, however, shows that it has roots in Ireland . </P> <P> The Revolution had a deep effect on the philosophical underpinnings of American society . One aspect that was drastically changed by the democratic ideals of the Revolution was the roles of women . </P> <P> The idea of republican motherhood was born in this period and reflects the importance of Republicanism as the dominant American ideology . Republicanism assumed that a successful republic rested upon the virtue of its citizens . Thus, women had the essential role of instilling their children with values conducive to a healthy republic . During this period, the wife's relationship with her husband also became more liberal, as love and affection instead of obedience and subservience began to characterize the ideal marital relationship . In addition, many women contributed to the war effort through fundraising and running family businesses in the absence of husbands . </P>

Which of the following is true of the work roles in early colonial families of the united states