Introduction

Abstract

The story of North America is often told in terms of conquest, colonization, exploitation, and extermination of indigenous peoples, territorial wars, revolutionary wars, and finally nation building as Canada, Mexico, and the United States declared their independence, drafted constitutions, and undertook the project of self-governance. How did women figure in these political and economic transformations? What roles have they played in the creation and survival of the three distinctive nations of North America? How have they contributed to the practices of democracy in these states? How are their economic, political, and familial responsibilities being transformed in the current period of globalization?