Molly Pitcher — Fact or Fiction?
In Molly Pitcher — Fact or Fiction?, historian Lucy Worsley finds out about the story of Molly Pitcher, a woman who avenged the death of her husband on the battlefield in 1778. It is still a mystery whether the story is true or not. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.
Lesson Express
Q: Where did the name “Molly Pitcher” come from?
A: The name "Molly Pitcher" is believed to have come from women who carried water to soldiers during battles. The term "pitcher" referred to the container used to carry water, and "Molly" was a common name used to refer to women during that time.
Q: Did Molly Pitcher truly participate in the Battle of Monmouth?
A: While there is no concrete historical evidence that Mary Ludwig Hays (or "Molly Pitcher") directly fought in the Battle of Monmouth, it is widely believed that she played a significant role by bringing water to the soldiers and helping to load cannons.
Q: If Molly didn’t participate in the Battle of Monmouth, why do you think this was a story to be told?
A: The story of Molly Pitcher was likely told to highlight the bravery and contributions of women during this time. It served to symbolize the important, often overlooked roles that women played in supporting the soldiers and the cause.