HIS 315K Lecture 30: Women in the Early Republic, 1770-1830
Document Summary
Themes: limits of revolutionary republicanism, creating the us. When married, a women"s legal identity was overtaken by her husband. Persisted through the 18th and 19th centuries. Women supported revolutionary cause - boycotts, production (cloth) Hoped for broader political representation, but ultimately rejected. Necessary to instill virtuous thinking in children (ex: reading the bible) Greater emphasis on the idea of marrying for love. 1820, all states (except sc) accepted divorce. Many states - have to get permission from the state legislature. Only allowed in cases of abuse (proven) 1790s: benjamin rush and judith sargeant murray. Felt that women"s education was necessary to make them good wives and mothers. Opened a girls school from her home. Academics: grammar, literature, history, geography, diction, natural sciences. Most women went to public school - learned basics. Born quaker, had a religious vision while sick, preached vision to other. She had died and been reborn, was now a prophet (universal.
