What Changes Occurred For Women Between The 1850's and WW1?
What Changes Occurred For Women
Between The 1850's and WW1?
During the First World War, opportunities for women had been greatly changed. They had the chance to prove to the world that women were just as capable as men were when it comes to work. They gained many things such as new jobs, the vote, respect and freedom. However, what was life like for women before WW1 and 2? This essay will cover the changes that occurred in their favour between the 1850's and WW1.
Before the 1850's education for women was poor compared to men's education. The young women who could afford an education were taught non-academic subjects such as sewing, embroidery, singing and deportment. Women were taught this type of subject so that they could become perfect wives. On the other hand men were taught subjects like science, maths, history and geography. This meant it was hard for women to find work because, as they were not well educated, people thought they were less intelligent than men were.
However, during 1950, a campaign was launched to improve education for women. This meant that with better education, women were able to achieve more, get better jobs and earn respect from the nation. It was one of the first steps towards equal opportunities for women. Although this was a big improvement, it was not as quick to fall into place as many women had hoped. Having said that when changes did start to creep in, they were very impressive. Between 1861and 1911 the number of teachers doubled, the number of nurses tripled, and the number of clerks multiplied ...
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However, during 1950, a campaign was launched to improve education for women. This meant that with better education, women were able to achieve more, get better jobs and earn respect from the nation. It was one of the first steps towards equal opportunities for women. Although this was a big improvement, it was not as quick to fall into place as many women had hoped. Having said that when changes did start to creep in, they were very impressive. Between 1861and 1911 the number of teachers doubled, the number of nurses tripled, and the number of clerks multiplied by a staggering 500. This proves that better education equals better employment opportunities. Unfortunately, there were still 1 million women and girls in the domestic services. These were mainly working class women who simply could not afford an education.
Before this period, women did not have any female role models to look up to, mainly because it was hard for women to make a stand or to become independent. In 1858 a magazine or journal was published and written by women. Not only did this give women something to look forwards to, but it also encouraged women to think for themselves. Things like that magazine brought new confidence for women and helped writers, journalists and others broaden their opportunities.
Magazines and publishers were not the only things to help to inspire women.
In 1868 Florence Nightingale opened a training hospital for nurses. Not only did this show others that she was successful, but she also made it acceptable for the middle class women to go into nursing. Beforehand, middle class women would either not have a job, or have a job like secretarial work or shop work, which are fairly respectable, nondescript occupations. It reflected the idea that women were not able to have more demanding, interesting work. Florence Nightingale managed to change that opinion which resulted in women having better job opportunities.
Another influential woman of the times is Elizabeth Garrett Anderson who became a doctor in 1867. This was quite a big achievement for this time, and would have been a big encouragement for other women.
It was important for women to have role models, but to gain political power a more direct approach was needed. One way this was achieved was through the Suffragette Movement. The Suffragettes and other women's pressure groups helped to get equal rights for women. In 1870, the first Married Women's Property Act was introduced, giving women the rights to their property. Then twelve years later, in 1882, a second Women's Property Act was enacted, which let women keep their property if they were to get a divorce. This may sound like a basic civil right, but before this act was put into practise, women had little or no right to their property once they were married. If, for example, a woman got a divorce, the husband would be entitled to any inheritance, property, wages and even the children. For anyone this would be emotionally and financially devastating, so this act really was a big step forwards. It broke the seemingly endless cycle of women wanting more rights, but not having the right to voice their opinions. Their only way out was for men to intervene, as they had the ability to do something about the predicament. However, this was easier said than done. Men had the general opinion that women should be seen and not heard. They saw women as endless child bearers and convenient when it came to housework or being put on a pedestal. When women tried to express their opinions they were often dismissed or shunned out of society.
In conclusion, the changes that occurred for women between the 1850s and WW1 were substantial, women started to get better jobs, pay, home-life and they were given more respect. However there was still room for improvement, as their society was nowhere near equal opportunities for women or for people who were of a different race.
Cara Roberts 10/11C
