The Development of Feminism in the 1800's
Throughout the history of the world women have often been subjected to fewer rights and to a lower social class than that of men. In most societies the traditional role of the woman was the role of wife, mother, and caretaker. Women endured this type of prejudiced behavior since the dawn of time until the first women’s movements began to develop during the 1800’s in the United States and Europe. These women’s movements are often referred to as feminist movements or feminism. The development of feminism in the 1800’s was a very crucial part of history because women began the long road of gaining women’s rights with the Seneca Falls Convention, the founding of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, and the first National Women’s Rights Convention.
Feminism is defined as the belief that women should have economic, political, and social equality with men. “Feminists challenge traditional gender roles and demand increased educational and employment opportunities” (Gustafson). Feminism began in response to The Enlightenment and the industrialization of society. The start of industrialization caused significant changes in the economy and politics, and these changes triggered women to question their roles and status within society. Women wished to no longer be treated as though they were inferior to men. The feminism acts of the nineteenth century are often referred to as the first wave of feminism. The first wave of feminism predominately focused on equal contract, marriage, parenting, voting, and property rights for women. One of the first steps towards equality for women was the Seneca Falls Convention. The Seneca Falls Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York, was the first women’s rights convention ever held in the United States. This historical convention was the beginning of the development of feminism in the United States of American. The convention was organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott who came up with the idea after unjustly
Feminism is defined as the belief that women should have economic, political, and social equality with men. “Feminists challenge traditional gender roles and demand increased educational and employment opportunities” (Gustafson). Feminism began in response to The Enlightenment and the industrialization of society. The start of industrialization caused significant changes in the economy and politics, and these changes triggered women to question their roles and status within society. Women wished to no longer be treated as though they were inferior to men. The feminism acts of the nineteenth century are often referred to as the first wave of feminism. The first wave of feminism predominately focused on equal contract, marriage, parenting, voting, and property rights for women. One of the first steps towards equality for women was the Seneca Falls Convention. The Seneca Falls Convention, held in Seneca Falls, New York, was the first women’s rights convention ever held in the United States. This historical convention was the beginning of the development of feminism in the United States of American. The convention was organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott who came up with the idea after unjustly
Citations: "Seneca Falls." World Book Advanced. World Book, 2014. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. Gustafson, Melanie S Sochen, June. "Anthony, Susan Brownell." World Book Advanced. World Book, 2014. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. "National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA)". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2014. Web. 10 Apr. 2014 .Encyclopædia Britannica Online