Major Characteristics of the Lives of Late 19th Century Women - Essay Example

of the of the of the What were the major characteristics of the lives of late 19th century women of both working class and middle class families? Education changed the life of the 19th Century women in the US. The female participants in education increased significantly, and by the end of 1850, more than half of the women population had learned to write and read. Subsequently, women took up courses in advanced and higher education. This newfound competence provided them with new job opportunities, independent living and professional careers. All these factors motivated women to develop their self – esteem and independence (Women and Family History in America - The 19th Century). Several educated women chose the teaching profession, and they were able to influence future citizens by their teaching. The sudden and drastic increase in the number of industries provided women with another opportunity to demonstrate their independence (Women and Family History in America - The 19th Century). The result of this industrialization was an increase in the number of women employees in factories and industrial production units Women assumed new responsibilities in the teaching profession as well as in the industry. They were no longer confined to their homes and eagerly sought outside work. These factors encouraged women to be independent and to improve their self – esteem. Several new trade unions were formed, in order to address women’s difficulties at the work place, and many women became active members of these trade unions (Women and Family History in America - The 19th Century). However, many of these women were compelled to relinquish their jobs after marriage and to take care of their family and children. Nevertheless, some of them, continued in outside employment even after marriage. Moreover, many women with a heightened sense of morality had established women’s associations to help women whose condition was miserable. These associations assisted distressed women in several ways, promoted religious ideals, attempted to eradicate prostitution and poverty, and sought to enhance self – esteem (Women and Family History in America - The 19th Century). These associations conducted rallies to pressurize the government to improve conditions in prisons, asylums and hospitals. These movements culminated in the subsequent movement to procure women’s suffrage under the leadership of Susan B. Anthony and Lucretia Mott. The nineteenth century witnessed two major movements, namely female suffrage and labor (Women and Family History in America - The 19th Century). The 19th Century Industrial Revolution drastically changed the economy and life of the people. It provided new opportunities to both men and women, and the freedom to work outside the home. Men and women found employment in offices and factories. However, a few people continued to work on farms. Women, particularly married women, were dissuaded from working outside the home. Women were expected to look after the needs of their families and to attend to domestic duties (Klepp). Men intervened to the least extent possible in the rearing of children. This was the social perception and ideology of the 19th Century where women’s role was restricted to ensuring the wellbeing of the family. Middle class women earned small amounts through minor trade, sewing, baking, brewing and gardening. Their male children attended school, while their sisters worked in factories for petty amounts to support such schooling (Klepp). Gradually, all this changed and married women emerged from their homes, in order to form associations and reform groups. Women’s rights were widely debated and claimed by these associations. Some Western States granted political rights to women without any restrictions. Women started to work as nurses, secretaries and clerks in departmental stores. However, social acceptance was absent for work after marriage. In the mid nineteenth century, several States enacted legislation providing greater rights to them over their belongings and wages. Some States passed legislation allowing women to seek divorce on grounds of physical abuse. Custody of children was given to women in divorce cases (Klepp). As such, the 19th Century had greatly transformed the conditions and rights of women 2. Describe industrial growth of the late 19th century in three industries. It took just thirty years for American life to undergo a major change. This change was wrought by the industrial revolution in the 19th Century. The proverbial innovativeness of the Americans ensured that their economy was highly advanced industrially, and this economy was effectively controlled by large corporations (Johnson and Woloch). Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Minneapolis were some of the cities that experienced unprecedented growth, due to this industrial activity. In addition, vast wealth was generated and the native ingenuity of the populace was harnessed and put to practical use. In addition, there was an enhancement of foreign trade, and exports experienced a 100% growth from 1877 to 1900 (Johnson and Woloch). The changes engendered by industrialization were momentous; offices were rendered replete with clerks and managers. In addition, the homes of the citizenry, now boasted of illumination based on electricity, indoor plumbing and a plethora of home appliances. Thus, industrial progress resulted in reduced prices for manufactured products, better transportation and higher standards of living (Johnson and Woloch). Industrial America of the 19th Century was based on coal. The latter proved to be a cheap and effective fuel for use in furnaces, forges and steam engines. This dependence on coal, encouraged development of mining technology and new means of increasing the efficiency of transport and energy consumption. The introduction of sophisticated technology into the mines was resisted by the coal miners who formed trade unions. Coal was ubiquitous in its use, and proved to be indispensable in everyday life. Progress was equated with smoky air, and the environment of industrial America was soot filled. Homes basked in the warmth of furnaces powered by coal, reading was by means of lamps running on coal gas and the plentiful supply of goods was due to the indefatigable manner, in which these goods had been transported by steam locomotives (Adams). Initially, the US was producing wrought iron by employing a three-stage process. These could be described as smelting or the melting of iron ore into an intermediate material; refining the molten iron ore, in order to bestow properties, like malleability and hardness; and shaping, which produced beams, tools, rails and sheet metal. This last stage required the services of puddlers, who were highly skilled at producing wrought iron. Their task was very difficult and involved considerable skill. Moreover, this iron had to be rolled, by skilled rollers, prior to being put to use. The outcome of this process was a meager quantity of finished products that did not possess sufficient strength. Obviously, the refining stage of this process was inadequate. At this critical juncture, a technological breakthrough was achieved by the English Henry Bessemer, who employed an oval converter in the refining process. The molten pig iron was placed in this converter and a powerful blast of air was impinged upon it. The resultant explosion removed almost every trace of impurities from the molten metal (Boyer). This brought about a new and hard metal that could be used for rail making. This process had far-reaching effects and steel masters were able to integrate all the production stages. These new steel mills employed large number of workers, and produced thousands of tons of steel, every day. The open-hearth method and the Bessemer process brought in a second industrial revolution in the US, which successfully changed the US into the leading industrial and military power of the world (Boyer). 3. What caused progressivism? What were some of its basic assumptions and values? Several economic, moral, political and social reforms were designated as progressivism. Some of these consisted of endeavors to prohibit the sale of alcohol, control child labor, methodically manage natural resources, guarantee purity of milk and water, control immigration and the dissolution of corporate trusts and monopolies. In addition, measures were initiated by progressive reformers to render the government corruption free, control business malpractices, take adequate precautions against health hazards, enhance public participation in governance and permit women to exercise their franchise (Digital History). The US underwent a transformation from a predominantly agrarian society to that of employees and consumers. This change allowed the large corporations to methodically abuse resources and labor, and to corrupt government. Industrialization was the principal cause for this phenomenon, which demanded and attained capitalism. Enormous economic disparities arose, because of the avarice of these industrialists (A Brief History of American Progressivism). The changing social mores, in the aftermath of the Civil War, was accompanied by unprecedented levels of corruption. The major beneficiary of this War was industry, and under the patronage of Grant, corruption became an all-consuming monster. For instance, the railroad companies were granted large tracts of land; creditors made enormous profits, due to meager monetary supplies and a deflationary policy; and business was disproportionately benefitted, because of tariffs that were highly protective (A Brief History of American Progressivism). The hapless multitude, revolted against this corrupt and criminal nexus of business and politics. The outcome was progressivism. The principal proponents of this new paradigm were reformers like Tilden. He was successful in bringing about the prosecution of the highly corrupt, like Carl Schurz and Tweed. In addition, fundamental changes transpired that witnessed beneficial developments, such as the 8-hour working day, efforts to provide voting rights to women and new laws that promoted the rights of persons who had been freed from the shackles of slavery (A Brief History of American Progressivism). In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt campaigned for women voting rights, laws to regulate minimum wages and preserve natural resources. He dissolved many monopolies, but was not as energetic in this endeavor as his successor Taft. In 1924, Robert M. La Follette, championed the cause of a rejuvenated progressive movement that promoted direct elections in primaries, a more equitable dispensation in respect of taxation, the safeguarding of natural resources and reforms to the banking system (A Brief History of American Progressivism). In 1947, Henry A. Wallace, promoted a new dispensation that had been termed as a global new deal. The chief objective of these progressive movements was to bring in social reform and thereby improve the common person’s standard of living; and to observe and rectify excessive corporate power, in respect of its politically and socially destructive capacity (A Brief History of American Progressivism). Progressivism in the US has been conjoined to the American perception that it is the chief enforcer of a just international dispensation. Such international influence of the US has been promoted by its missionary activities, which procured the Nobel Peace Prize for its chief propagandist, John R. Mott. This penchant for interfering in the affairs of others, exhibited by the adherents of progressivism, was illustrated in the strident calls given by these individuals to intervene in World War I. The logical conclusion of this process has been globalization, which has proved to be of immense benefit to American commercial, political and strategical interests (Eisenach). 4. Discuss four new social patterns that emerged in Americans lives in the 1920s. The so-called Roaring Twenties were unprecedented. Women left their homes for working outside. They attended college and participated in sports, and as the crowning achievement, they won the right to exercise their franchise. The social situation also underwent radical change. For instance, Jazz emerged as a popular genre of music among the African Americans. The radio emerged as a major entertainer and it was common for families to sit together and listen to sports, news reports and entertainment programs. The first motion picture with audio tracks was shown in 1927 and Lindbergh crossed the Atlantic Ocean, in a solo flight (Summary: The 1920s). A number of consumer appliances, like dishwashers and electric toasters, invaded the consumer market. These gadgets were being produced in large numbers, due to Ford’s methods of mass production. The mobility of the people increased tremendously, because of automobiles, which were available in large numbers and at an affordable price. Automobiles ensured better roads and the construction of new roads, which resulted in better connectivity in the US (The Impact of Technology on 1920s Life). Furthermore, the radio captured the imagination of the American public. It’s much lower cost, in comparison to an automobile, saw its presence in almost every American household. This generated a number of radio broadcasting stations, and to KDKA of Pittsburgh goes the honor of being the first amongst the public radio stations. This novel event resulted in thousands of radio stations cropping up across the US (The Impact of Technology on 1920s Life). The radio and the automobile ensured the success of the movie industry. In the past, movies had been sparsely attended, because of the distance at which they were located. The automobile reduced the problems of transportation and this increased movie attendance. The radio served to inform the public about the airing of movies (The Impact of Technology on 1920s Life). The 1920s were dominated by gangs that thrived on prohibition. These gangsters controlled the streets of major cities like Chicago and New York. Al Capone was spawned by this ill-conceived prohibition. He had an ever expanding industry based on drugs, illicit alcohol and crime. His average annual income was estimated at $60 million (Wolford). In addition, there was a terrifying side to the 1920s. The Ku Klux Klan, who made all non – whites the target of their unquestioned iniquity. They indulged in the murder and lynching of Jews, Catholics and African Americans. Furthermore, they extended their barbarism to individuals who were opposed to their ideology (Wolford). In this environment, Jazz made its appearance, and like all things new, it was subjected to considerable controversy. This new genre of music was considered an uncontrolled and vile form, merely because it did not conform to the staid and established principles of the extant music. However, Jazz outlived its detractors and provided considerable scope for improvisation (Wolford). The 1920s witnessed cataclysmic changes. The 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, engendered prohibition; which deemed it a crime to sell, distribute or consume any alcoholic drink. Prohibition had a major impact on Americans. The evangelists were overjoyed at having made alcohol illegal. It was anticipated by some that violence would come down drastically on account of prohibition. However, this proved to be fallacious thinking, because the violence increased. Moreover, the violence was due to the proliferation of organized crime, which in turn proved to be the genesis of gangs and gangsters (Wolford). Works Cited A Brief History of American Progressivism. 18 May 2009 . Adams, Sean Patrick. The US Coal Industry in the Nineteenth Century. 23 January 2003. 21 May 2009 . Boyer, Paul S. Iron and Steel Industry. 2001. 21 May 2009 . Digital History. Learn About the Progressive Era. 2006. 18 May 2009 . Eisenach, Eldon J. The social and political thought of American progressivism. Hackett Publishing. ISBN 0872207846, 9780872207844, 2006. Pp. 287 – 294. Johnson, Paul E and Nancy Woloch. "United States History ." Redmond, WA: Microsoft® Student 2008 [DVD] Microsoft Corporation, 2007. Klepp, Susan E. United States People. 18 May 2009 . Summary: The 1920s. 21 May 2009 . The Impact of Technology on 1920s Life. 21 May 2009 . Wolford, Justin. Life in the 1920s. 21 May 2009 . Women and Family History in America - The 19th Century. 18 May 2009 . Read More