Throughout French history and into the 19th century, women adopted traditional roles, caring for their husbands and families and maintaining their homes instead of having a public, political life. Instead of receiving a formal education, women were expected to marry and have children, and often take on a job to help support their families. As a result, their rights were very limited and reflected their participation in society as wives instead of as equals to their male counterparts. During the French Revolution, in addition to advocating for an end to monarchy and traditional societal organization, women began to embrace the spirit of the Revolution and actively challenge their traditional roles, expectations, and rights. At the start of
