French Revolution

The French Revolution, which took place between 1789 and 1795, changed every aspect of France economically, politically, religiously, and especially socially. All of these structures were demolished and recreated. A new era of France was manifested, as with all new things, it was turbulent; especially for women, where did they fit into this new social structure? The rapid changes taking place in France effected women's status, profession, and lifestyle, all of which had to be re-evaluated in their roles in a new society. Throughout this harsh period of time, women managed to play a vital role, and even played a more dominant role in the revolution than had been the norm in previous years. This was a period in which women would be very politically active. This was exemplified through clubs and political movements, often controversially. However, participation varied greatly, depending on their social standing and class. Women did not share the same experience. Picture: The women in the French Revolution

During the age of enlighten, roughly 1740 -1780, single or married women had very limited rights. The women were expected to meet specific standards such as: being chaste and produce heirs to prolong the family. Not only were they expected to produce kids but also expected to be charming, well dressed and pleasing to look at because this would represent the social status of their father or husband. Being able to meet the standards of her husband or father was an on going process, which developed through out each relationship. It was more then just being submissive to father or husband but also following their rules and regulations. So basically when a woman was single she remained under her fathers’ custody until she was married, but once she got married then the total rights would be transferred to her husband’s rule. Once she was married she had no control over her person or her property, the only way for a lady to gain some independence would be