American Encounters Final
Daisy Paridon
24 October 2014
Group B: Question 2
Before the American Revolution, men monopolized the political and government realms while women were denied this right. Furthermore, in the existing social hierarchy women were viewed as subordinate to men and not considered independent legal individuals. As women grew tired of their inferior legal status and inequality to men, some began to express interest in politics. However, they were unable to have any substantial influence, as they were unable to hold office, denied the right to vote, and encouraged to not involve themselves in politics. If they wanted to participate in politics they had to do so indirectly by attending balls, salons, and court ceremonies in hopes influencing any present political figures. However, the American Revolution represents a turning point, as it opened the first doors allowing women to enter the political realm. Throughout the duration of the Revolution and during the War of 1812, women’s political involvement further increased, and their participation was both encouraged and praised. However, in the early 19th century they were not only urged to withdraw from the political realm, but to also “relinquish their political identities” altogether.
In the years leading to the American Revolution, Whig leaders knew that to successfully resist Great Britain that they would need to mobilize widespread support from the public. To gain as much support as possible, women could not be excluded. Although subordinate, women were still acknowledged as independent and logical thinkers that would need to be convinced to join the resistance. To achieve this objective, leaders used print media as a tool to urge women to join the cause. Through newspapers women were asked to boycott imported luxury goods, which many agreed to, and some even signed formal agreements to show their commitment. For the first time, women were being invited participate into the political realm. They now had the ability to
24 October 2014
Group B: Question 2
Before the American Revolution, men monopolized the political and government realms while women were denied this right. Furthermore, in the existing social hierarchy women were viewed as subordinate to men and not considered independent legal individuals. As women grew tired of their inferior legal status and inequality to men, some began to express interest in politics. However, they were unable to have any substantial influence, as they were unable to hold office, denied the right to vote, and encouraged to not involve themselves in politics. If they wanted to participate in politics they had to do so indirectly by attending balls, salons, and court ceremonies in hopes influencing any present political figures. However, the American Revolution represents a turning point, as it opened the first doors allowing women to enter the political realm. Throughout the duration of the Revolution and during the War of 1812, women’s political involvement further increased, and their participation was both encouraged and praised. However, in the early 19th century they were not only urged to withdraw from the political realm, but to also “relinquish their political identities” altogether.
In the years leading to the American Revolution, Whig leaders knew that to successfully resist Great Britain that they would need to mobilize widespread support from the public. To gain as much support as possible, women could not be excluded. Although subordinate, women were still acknowledged as independent and logical thinkers that would need to be convinced to join the resistance. To achieve this objective, leaders used print media as a tool to urge women to join the cause. Through newspapers women were asked to boycott imported luxury goods, which many agreed to, and some even signed formal agreements to show their commitment. For the first time, women were being invited participate into the political realm. They now had the ability to