New Republic Period
1783-1830
"The Revolution was a hot-house, forcing into bloom gender roles and gender ideals that had been planted long before the Stamp Act and the Boston Tea Party." -Carol Berkin, Historian
Women Gained Limited Influence after the War
Political: Women gained no property rights, or legal rights after the war. Except in New Jersey from 1776-1807, because of a loosely worded contract. Working: The General Male Perspective: "It is obvious we cannot instruct women as we do men in the science of medicine...I venture to say that a female could scarce pass through the course of education requisite to prepare her." -1780 Boston Doctor Social: Negative- "You must first lay it down for a foundation in general that there is inequality in the sexes." (The Ladies New Years Gift: Advice to a Daughter) Positive- "I shall not undeceive future generations, I could not tell the truth without giving great offense. Let the world admire our female patriots and heroes." -Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress (wrote a history of the Revolutionary War)
"If men believe that ignorance is favorable to the government of the female sex, they are certainly deceived, for a weak and ignorant woman will always be governed with the greatest difficulty." -Benjamin Rush, 1787 |
The Industrial Revolution called for women's efforts, which lead to the rise of female support for their rights. As they joined the workforce, they became more prominent in society, and thus were able to gain equality through reform.