Daughters of the American Revolution

Definition

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1890, dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism among its members. This organization connects to earlier revolutionary sentiments and actions by descendants of those who fought for American independence, emphasizing a continuity of values such as liberty and national pride, which became increasingly important in the context of rising tensions leading to rebellion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The DAR was established by women who wanted to honor their ancestors who had fought for American independence during the Revolutionary War.
2. One of the key missions of the DAR is to promote education through scholarships and support for schools that focus on history and patriotism.
3. The organization played a significant role in preserving historic sites and artifacts related to the American Revolution, contributing to national heritage conservation efforts.
4. The DAR has been involved in numerous patriotic events, such as commemorating important dates in American history and honoring veterans.
5. Membership is open to women who can prove lineal descent from someone involved in the revolutionary struggle, fostering a sense of familial connection to America's founding principles.

Review Questions

• How does the Daughters of the American Revolution connect the present-day understanding of patriotism with historical events leading up to the American Revolution?
  • The Daughters of the American Revolution connects contemporary patriotism with historical events by emphasizing the legacy of those who fought for independence. Through their activities, they educate members and the public about revolutionary principles and the sacrifices made by ancestors. By fostering a strong sense of national pride and awareness, they keep alive the spirit of resistance against tyranny that characterized the period leading up to the revolution.
• Evaluate the role of the Daughters of the American Revolution in promoting education related to American history. How does this reflect broader trends in historical preservation?
  • The Daughters of the American Revolution actively promotes education through scholarships, educational programs, and support for schools focusing on American history. This commitment reflects a broader trend among historical organizations to foster awareness and appreciation for national heritage. Their work not only helps preserve stories from the Revolutionary War but also ensures that future generations understand and value their country's history, which is essential for maintaining informed citizenship.
• Assess how the founding principles of the Daughters of the American Revolution relate to the social movements during their establishment in 1890 and their influence on subsequent generations.
  • The founding principles of the Daughters of the American Revolution are rooted in a desire to connect past sacrifices for liberty with contemporary values, particularly during a time when women's roles in society were evolving. Established amid growing movements advocating for women's rights and social reform, DAR members sought to assert their place within national narratives while honoring their ancestors' contributions. This dual focus on patriotism and social change influenced subsequent generations by inspiring women to engage more deeply with civic responsibilities, thereby intertwining national pride with progressive ideals in later movements.

Related terms

Patriotism: A sense of pride and devotion to one's country, often associated with the defense and support of national values.

Revolutionary War: The conflict from 1775 to 1783 in which the Thirteen American Colonies fought for independence from British rule.

Historical Society: An organization dedicated to preserving and promoting historical records, artifacts, and narratives related to a specific region or interest.