Women During The Industrial Revolution Essay

Throughout history, women have always been viewed as inferior to men, and always had fewer rights. This started to change in America during the 19th century. Prior to the 19th century, women had difficult working conditions. Sweatshop proliferated during the Industrial Revolution, and so did unfair working conditions for women. (Foner, 53-54) Throughout the world, many women did not have the right to participate in government, and America was no exception.(Foroughi) Education was also severely limited for women; it was a common belief that women were physically incapable of learning at the level of men. (Hübner, 3) However, change did occur; at first, men created unions to protect themselved against unfair hours and pay, and women then unionised,

According to Foner, the Daughters of Liberty, who assisted with boycotts and other pro-Revolution activities, were declared “contrary to the will of God” because they did not lead peaceful lives like society expected them to. (Foner 36) Women were also prevented from holding office; all the people involved with the logistics of the Revolution were male. After the revolution, only men held office. Later, during the Industrial Revolution, women had very difficult working conditions. They were paid per product they made, and their wages could be waived if it did not pass inspection. This practice was very popular; sweatshops wanted to exploit people for maximum profits. (Foner, 48-120) Education was also very limited. Schools were rare for everyone, not only women, in the 18th century and earlier. It was not until Horace Mann’s actions in the 19th century that public schools became popular. However, as schools started to proliferate, so did the desire to learn. Schools then started teaching women; however, it was not an equal education. Women were mostly taught how to teach, and were not taught the average male curriculum. (Horace