Women 1865-1992 Flashcards
What was the status of women in the USA in 1865?
Women were largely confined to domestic roles, with limited rights in education, work, and politics.
They could not vote, and married women’s legal rights were often controlled by their husbands.
What was the significance of the 19th Amendment (1920)?
The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, marking a major victory for the suffrage movement and advancing political equality for women.
What was the role of women in the workforce during World War II (1941-1945)?
Millions of women entered the workforce to support the war effort, taking on roles traditionally held by men in industries like manufacturing (e.g., “Rosie the Riveter”).
What was the Equal Pay Act of 1963?
The Equal Pay Act aimed to eliminate wage disparity between men and women, marking an important step in the fight for workplace equality.
Who were key figures in the women’s suffrage movement?
Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and later Alice Paul and the National Woman’s Party were instrumental in fighting for women’s voting rights.
What role did the Women’s Liberation Movement play in the 1960s?
It fought for greater equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and the abolition of sexist societal norms, laying the groundwork for second-wave feminism.
What role did the Women’s Liberation Movement play in the 1960s?
It fought for greater equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and the abolition of sexist societal norms, laying the groundwork for second-wave feminism.
How did women’s access to education change from 1865-1965?
By the mid-20th century, more women attended universities, though they often faced barriers in pursuing careers in male-dominated fields.
What impact did the Flapper era of the 1920s have on women?
The Flapper era symbolised a break from traditional roles, with women embracing new fashions, independence, and a more liberated social identity.
What was the Married Women’s Property Act (1860s-1870s)?
These laws allowed married women to own property and retain wages, a significant step towards economic independence.
What impact did World War I have on women’s rights?
Women’s contributions to the war effort helped strengthen the case for suffrage, leading to the passage of the 19th Amendment.
How did the Civil Rights Movement affect women’s rights?
The movement highlighted gender as well as racial inequalities, inspiring greater advocacy for women’s civil and political rights.
What was the Sheppard-Towner Act (1921)?
It provided federal funding for maternity and child health programs, demonstrating the growing political influence of women voters.
How did the ‘Cult of Domesticity’ influence women in the 19th century?
It promoted the idea that women’s roles were centred on the home and family, reinforcing gender stereotypes that persisted into the 20th century.
How did women’s roles shift during the 1950s?
Post-WWII, women were pushed back into domestic roles as men returned to the workforce, though many women continued working outside the home.
What was the significance of Margaret Sanger’s work?
Sanger advocated for birth control and founded the first birth control clinic in the US, leading to the establishment of Planned Parenthood.
What was the role of African American women in the fight for equality?
African American women like Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, and Rosa Parks fought against both gender and racial discrimination, playing key roles in suffrage and civil rights movements.
Evaluation: To what extent did women achieve equality by 1965?
Women made significant progress in voting rights, education, and workforce participation, but faced ongoing discrimination in pay, employment opportunities, and societal expectations.
How effective was the 19th Amendment (1920) in improving women’s status?
While the 19th Amendment granted voting rights, many women, especially African American and minority women, faced barriers like poll taxes and literacy tests. Social norms also limited their political participation.
Did women gain true workplace equality during WWII?
Although millions of women worked during WWII, many lost their jobs when men returned from the war. Workplace discrimination and the wage gap persisted.
How did the Equal Pay Act of 1963 impact women?
The act was a milestone, but enforcement was weak, and women continued to face wage inequality and discrimination in hiring and promotion.
To what extent did women benefit from education reforms by 1965?
More women accessed higher education, but cultural expectations often confined them to “feminine” careers like teaching or nursing, limiting their professional advancement.
What limitations remained for African American women by 1965?
African American women faced compounded discrimination due to race and gender.
They were often excluded from white feminist movements and faced economic disadvantages despite their contributions to civil rights.
How did societal attitudes hinder women’s progress in the 1950s?
The post-war emphasis on domesticity reinforced traditional gender roles, pushing women back into homemaker roles and reducing momentum for feminist progress.
