Women's Struggles in American History

Paper Summary:

Prior to the American Civil War, women were gaining a sense of self that extended beyond their households. While the country was divided over racial issues, women across the country were also fighting for their rights, regardless of the color of their skin. African-American women and European American women alike faced different hurdles, but were brought together under the common cause of freedom. This paper examines the struggles and successes of each class of women and their achievements. The paper discusses education, employment, slavery, and civil rights.

From the Paper:

"European American women began voicing their opinions about social issues in the early 1800s. Through these efforts, they demonstrated that they were individuals too and they could be more than just wives and mothers. Many women paid dues to mutual-aid societies that provided a type of insurance for women who got sick or lost their husbands. Other women founded charity groups. An example of these groups is the Society for the relief of Poor Widows with Small Children, which was established in New York. Many of these groups provided education for poor children while others provided situations where women could actually work. In addition, women were responsible for establishing temperance and moral reform societies to curb drinking and prostitution."

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