The history of a woman’s role in American society has always been a dynamic and constantly changing one. The Cult of Domesticity and Republican Motherhood were prominent ideas in the 18th and early 19th centuries that encouraged women to stay home and perform menial tasks. This notion of separate spheres between men and women began to be contested as the 19th century progressed. Beginning with the Seneca Falls convention in 1848 and continuing throughout the Gilded Age, society’s views on women were challenged. Culminating with the Progressive Era, women gained various political rights, most notably gaining the right to vote. Despite experiencing a shift from the Cult of Domesticity and expansion of political rights, women during and after
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The North American Woman Suffrage Association, later taken up by Alice Paul’s National Woman’s Party, sought to secure an amendment that enfranchised women. Perhaps the most significant moment in the Progressive Era was the passing of the 19th amendment. In addition, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs provided middle and upper class women with an outlet for their intellectual capabilities. This organization was also successful in pushing for laws which regulated woman and child labor. On the economic spectrum, women began to have more opportunities in the workforce. “Pink-Collar” jobs such as being secretaries, nurses or teachers became more prominent during this time. With World War One especially, more women joined the workforce and had more economic opportunities because men were out fighting. This was a momentous change as women began to leave the house more and be active in the public world. While this period seemed to be the key turning point for women in America, there were still major obstacles to …show more content…
Women, now more than ever, wanted to make sure that the government was protecting them. The rise of women in Congress in the 60s represented the power and success of this movement. Roe v Wade, an extremely influential Supreme Court case legalizing abortion, further allowed for women to better advocate for themselves. In addition, “Cultural Feminism” began to seriously challenge the lifestyle of women, pushing for them to leave the house and pursue what they wanted. It was at this time period, that women really gained protection from the government and started to be accepted into public society. Although the years surrounding the Progressive Era did little to help women economically, politically and socially, it did give them the confidence to continue to challenge the limitations that held them back from exercising their true
The North American Woman Suffrage Association, later taken up by Alice Paul’s National Woman’s Party, sought to secure an amendment that enfranchised women. Perhaps the most significant moment in the Progressive Era was the passing of the 19th amendment. In addition, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs provided middle and upper class women with an outlet for their intellectual capabilities. This organization was also successful in pushing for laws which regulated woman and child labor. On the economic spectrum, women began to have more opportunities in the workforce. “Pink-Collar” jobs such as being secretaries, nurses or teachers became more prominent during this time. With World War One especially, more women joined the workforce and had more economic opportunities because men were out fighting. This was a momentous change as women began to leave the house more and be active in the public world. While this period seemed to be the key turning point for women in America, there were still major obstacles to …show more content…
Women, now more than ever, wanted to make sure that the government was protecting them. The rise of women in Congress in the 60s represented the power and success of this movement. Roe v Wade, an extremely influential Supreme Court case legalizing abortion, further allowed for women to better advocate for themselves. In addition, “Cultural Feminism” began to seriously challenge the lifestyle of women, pushing for them to leave the house and pursue what they wanted. It was at this time period, that women really gained protection from the government and started to be accepted into public society. Although the years surrounding the Progressive Era did little to help women economically, politically and socially, it did give them the confidence to continue to challenge the limitations that held them back from exercising their true