During the early modern era in Western Europe, women's roles were largely confined to farm work and family life, with little access to education. The spread of Protestantism further limited women's roles. Enlightenment ideas and the political revolutions of the late 18th century began inspiring calls for greater gender equality. However, the Industrial Revolution led to women dominating the lower-paid jobs in factories while cultural norms pushed middle-class women into domestic roles. By the 19th century, women began campaigning for the right to vote in Western democracies, achieving some successes in the early 1900s.

1. Women in Western Europe AP World History Mr. Dan McDowell West Hills High School

2. Early Modern Era Gender roles on farm, but woman’s work integral part of farm life Education expands, most girls left behind Writing “dangerous” for girls “ An eloquent woman is never chaste” Spread of Protestantism in Europe, New World No role for women, considered a “helpmeet” Family life, nuclear family idealized

3. Political Revolutions Enlightenment ideas inspired women to seek equality in their lives Mary Wollstonecraft – women equal to men, right to education – make them better contributors to society, mothers Women actively supported American and French Revolutions

4. Political Revolutions Declaration of the Rights of Women - Olympe De Gouges French Rev. gave some rights to women, but not vote, equality – scaled back by Napoleon No change in America

5. The Modern Era and Industrialization

6. Lower Class Early industrialization women hired frequently – considered less valuable, “helpmeet” Less skills needed = more women hired In Britain by 1910, women = 1/3 of work force Domestic work other alternative, very wide spread, but not represented in statistics – why? Higher skilled jobs, physically strenuous jobs, supervisor jobs given to men

7. Lower Class - Home Life Working class women had to work all day and then go home to take care of the kids Working class families had 6 children on average, 35% had 8 or more Men gathered in pubs away from home

8. Lower Class

9. Middle Class Middle Class increases significantly with IR Unions focused on a “family wage” Men began seeing stay-at-home wives as symbol of success Motherhood was their natural calling

10. Middle Class

11. “ Cult of domesticity” Isolated at home, duties marginalize – many had domestic servants Move from producer to consumer Women in charge of moral values and standards Had to instill these into children and lead moral lives – make up for men

12. Suffrage Women seek vote in democracies in 19th and 20th centuries Many women involved in anti-slavery movement, thought rights would also be transferred to women Seneca Falls Convention, 1848

13. Suffrage 15th Amendment granted voting rights to men Extreme opposition Early 1900s see voting rights given to women throughout Western Europe, America