Skip to main content

Did men and women receive equal treatment in the nineteenth century?

First, we should say that the nineteenth century represents a very long time, and women's rights changed a lot during that period. Second, since your question does not say what country, if any, you are specifically referring to, I will address women's rights in the United States. In that country, women's rights underwent significant changes throughout the nineteenth century, though women never really received what could be called equal treatment. Early in the nineteenth century,...

First, we should say that the nineteenth century represents a very long time, and women's rights changed a lot during that period. Second, since your question does not say what country, if any, you are specifically referring to, I will address women's rights in the United States. In that country, women's rights underwent significant changes throughout the nineteenth century, though women never really received what could be called equal treatment. Early in the nineteenth century, women effectively surrendered their legal identity to their husbands when they married. They gave up their property, could not sue for divorce in most states, and were essentially regarded as "covered" legally by their husbands. Except for an early nineteenth century constitutional anomaly in New Jersey that was was closed after women sought to exploit it, women were not allowed to vote anywhere in the United States until a handful of new western states extended the franchise to women near the end of the century. Women also had fewer educational and vocational opportunities than men, worked for lower wages than men in places like textile mills (which in any case preferred to employ young girls rather than married women), and were generally expected (even if many could not afford to do so) to serve as housewives and helpmeets for their husbands. Throughout the century, however, women played a vital role in many reform movements. Acting through clubs and voluntary societies, they were leaders in the movements for the abolition of slavery, temperance and  prison and asylum reform. Late in the century, women became leaders in the Progressive movement, especially urban reform initiatives like the settlement house movement. This political activism, in fact, became the seed for a broader women's suffrage movement.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What are some external and internal conflicts that Montag has in Fahrenheit 451?

 Montag, the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, faces both external and internal conflicts throughout the novel. Some examples of these conflicts are: External Conflicts: Conflict with the society: Montag lives in a society that prohibits books and critical thinking. He faces opposition from the government and the people who enforce this law. Montag struggles to come to terms with the fact that his society is based on censorship and control. Conflict with his wife: Montag's wife, Mildred, is completely absorbed in the shallow and meaningless entertainment provided by the government. Montag's growing dissatisfaction with his marriage adds to his external conflict. Conflict with the fire captain: Montag's superior, Captain Beatty, is the personification of the oppressive regime that Montag is fighting against. Montag's struggle against Beatty represents his external conflict with the government. Internal Conflicts: Conflict with his own beliefs: Montag, at the beginning of th...

In A People's History of the United States, why does Howard Zinn feel that Wilson made a flimsy argument for entering World War I?

"War is the health of the state," the radical writer Randolph Bourne said, in the midst of the First World War. Indeed, as the nations of Europe went to war in 1914, the governments flourished, patriotism bloomed, class struggle was stilled, and young men died in frightful numbers on the battlefields-often for a hundred yards of land, a line of trenches. -- Chapter 14, Page 350, A People's History of the United States Howard Zinn outlines his arguments for why World War I was fought in the opening paragraph of Chapter 14 (referenced above). The nationalism that was created by the Great War benefited the elite political and financial leadership of the various countries involved. Socialism, which was gaining momentum in Europe, as was class struggle, took a backseat to mobilizing for war. Zinn believes that World War I was fought for the gain of the industrial capitalists of Europe in a competition for capital and resources. He states that humanity itself was punished by t...

Where did Atticus take the light and extension cord in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with... Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with Jim if that’s what it takes to protect him.  Atticus tells the men that he will make sure his client gets his fair shake at the law.  “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till ...