Women and Reform

• Women in higher classes had greater restrictions on them.

• Wives were property to their husbands. They could not own property, vote, or have many job opportunities.

• Women were responsible for raising children, both male and female.

• Women were allowed access to education so they could educate their sons.

• Women were responsible for providing a man a clean home and food

• They also were expected to provide non-market values, such as love and friendship

• The “Cult of Domesticity” was formed. The followers believed that women should not do any work and should be housewives

• Women were described as “Man’s bestfriend” and were expected to take care of them no matter the circumstance.

• Some women worked in factories and others worked as housemaids

• Men would spend time in pubs and drink excessive alcohol

• Women wanted the right to vote so they could vote against alcohol. (Temperance Movement)

• Women had a large role in the abolitionist movement

• The book "Uncle Tom's Cabin" gave a lot of people the idea that African Americans should also be treated as humans

• The Seneca Fall Convetion was hosted to help gain rights for women. They made the Decleration of Sentiments which modeled the Declaration of Independence.

• Women began dressing in “male clothing” and wearing pants