Colonial Period
Revolutionary Period 1800's 1910's and 1920's 1930's and 1940's 1950's-1970's 1980's |
-Pocahontas saves John Smith from execution and becomes an intermediary between Powhatans and the English. Shows early female importance in uniting different cultures.
-Anne Hutchinson criticizes women's roles in society and is banned from Massachusetts. This is early female opposition to inequality. - Women weave clothes and make goods to support boycott of British goods. Women play a large role in gaining America's independence and it inspires them to eventually pursue their own. -During Civil War, women took care of shops, offices, farms while men were away. This helped them gain some independence. -Development of all female colleges. -Rise of abolitionist movement shows the power women have for social reform after many states become "dry". -Seneca Falls Convention for women's rights takes place in 1848, and a Declaration of Sentiments is drawn up. -National Woman Suffrage Association formed in 1869 and fights for women's suffrage. It becomes a place women can come together in to gain rights. -Jane Addams opens Hull House in 1889 in the popular settlement house movement of the late 1800's. -Women fight for better factory working conditions. - National Woman Suffrage Association and National Woman's Party argue over US involvement in World War I. This shows rising political activity. -19th amendment gives women the right to vote. -Frances Perkins becomes first female cabinet member. Again, female political activity is shown. -During World War II, 6 million women join the workforce to contribute to the war effort and take up jobs that men had left. Growing independence for women is the result. - The post-WWII baby boom leads many women to temporarily stop seeking social reform and focus on raising their children. -Betty Friedan starts the "second wave" of feminism with her 1963 book "The Feminine Mystique". -The Equal Rights Amendment gains popularity and gets approval from Congress. -Abortion becomes legal in 1973 case Roe v. Wade. -Webster v. Reproductive Health Services allows some state laws to restrict abortion. -ERA fails to become amendment, falling short of 3 states. |