The Changing Function of Women in Politics, the Economy, and Events

The function of women in politics, the economy, and communal events in American society moved significantly from the pre-Revolutionary war era to the early beginnings of the 20th century. In the years leading up to the American Revolution, women were looked upon as being “subordinate to males” and so as a result women were affected by the laws and regulations forced upon them by men. It was almost as if it was a woman’s right, to get married, have kids, and live out the obligation of being a thorough wife and mother. Because the government was mainly ruled and controlled by men, it was often that women didn’t have the lawful rights, for example the power to vote or be in possession of property.

Yet, as the years advanced toward the Civil War and Reconstruction, the public, monetary matters, and political functions for women started to transform. Women’s attire became chic, even for countryside and lower-class women. Their outfits, which began to “show the details bodies to their benefit,” showed the passion and power of women to rid themselves from the harsh commands of the male-dominated society. While most married women performed labors in the home—and their “inconveniences growing heavily” in regards to the expansion of non-farming jobs for men—it was not unusual for women mainly those who lost their husbands during the Civil War, to earn income. Even though the social and financial transformations brought about many rights for women, possibly the most important change during the 19th and early 20th centuries was made of the political transformations brought about by the numerous number of reform groups in regards to women’s liberties, such as ending slavery, voting rights , self-control, and education.

In regards to the ...

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...ts of a mixture of people, eventually led Stanton and Mott to coordinate the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. The convention attracted over three-thousand audience members, which were mostly women in attendance, but did consist of a considerable amount of men. Numerous speakers interacted with the hopeful crowd, counting Stanton, Mott, and Frederick Douglass, the prominent abolitionists. At the convention, Stanton announced the “Declaration of Sentiments” and the spectators of the convention decided on the components of the “Declaration,” the most noteworthy of being women’s right to vote. Regrettably, Stanton’s demand for the right to vote was not victorious at the Seneca Falls Convention. All other components of the “Declaration” passed relatively easily. But only a handful voted in support of women’s right to vote, after an powerful speech by Fredrick Douglass.”