Late 19th Century Women’s Experiences, Rise of Feminism, & The Jewish Experience

At the middle of the 19th century, virtually all European women faced social and legal disabilities in 3 areas: 1 – property rights 2 – family law 3 – educational barriers By the close of the century there had been some improvement in each area.

I. Property Married women could not own property, no matter their______________. Had no independent standing before the ________ Britain – Married Women’s Property Act allowed France Germany

II. Family Law Legal codes required Divorces Children

III. Educational Barriers Less access than Limited Those who “made it”

IV. Generalities Women continued to earn Most working women were Marriage/pregnancy Employers preferred

V. Women of the Middle Class Consumerism “Cult of Domesticity” Religious Duties Children

VI. Lower/Working Class Women If married…. If single or widowed Prostitution

VII. Political Feminism John Stuart Mill founded Asks: “What are the differences b/t men and women”? 2. Mary Wollstoncraft

VIII. Problems Facing Early Feminists 1. 2. 3. Millicent Fawcett: Peaceful Emmeline Pankhurst: Grew more violent --suffragettes

IX. Jewish Emancipation