DBQ Women's Rights, The Market Revolution, and The Great Awakening

Between 1815 and 1860, mass revolutions in industry and religion spread throughout America, changing it politically, economically, and socially. These revolutions affected all of the country in various aspects, especially in opening new opportunities for women at this time. The Market Revolution and Second Great Awakening affected the evolution of women's role in the family, workplace, and society by expanding their roles and introducing them to reform and the strength of womanhood. During this time of the Market Revolution and the Second Great Awakening, women began appearing as an important m­­ember of family life. Women became the leading family member because of her significance in keeping the family together and raising intellectual and idiosyncratic individuals (doc. E). However, families began growing smaller at this time with each one only having one or two children (doc. G). This was primarily due to the emerging of domestic feminism, which was the growing power of women in making decisions. These smaller families however, allowed the mother to spend more time with each individual child. This, in turn, would allow each one to grow up and be more practical, candid, and diligent citizens. Although, not all women wanted to have less kids in spite their growing power. This was especially true for African American women in slavery. These women were worst off during this time. Many slave women would often be sold separately from their child at auctions in the south. This was one of the worst products of slavery- the forced separation of a mother from her child (doc. B). During this time, most women were gaining more power and becoming the leading figure in family life.
In the years of the market revolution and Second Great Awakening, women started making strides in changing their roles in society socially, politically, and economically. During this time, they became more renowned in religion; they made their presence known in politics and took part in many