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The antebellum market revolution, spanning from 1815 to 1860, ushered in a radical transformation in the American economic landscape, transitioning from a subsistence economy of scattered farms and workshops to a national network of industry and commerce. Concurrently, the Second Great Awakening, a religious revival marked by emotional mass "camp meetings" and widespread conversion, left an indelible impact on various aspects of American society, including the burgeoning women's movement. Despite prevalent notions of women's inferiority, the roles of women in family, workplace, and society underwent a significant evolution during this period.
While a limited number of women secured employment in factories during the antebellum market revolution, a significant portion remained at home, overseeing family matters.
The prevailing sentiment among women was that their inability to perform tasks traditionally reserved for men, coupled with limited access to education, perpetuated their relegated status. As expressed in documents, women, seen as the first teachers, were denied educational privileges essential for fulfilling their duties with discretion and effectiveness (Doc E).
Images such as "The Happy Mother" by Sarony and Major in 1846 depicted women enjoying time with their families, highlighting the preservation of familial bonds (Doc G).
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The era also witnessed the emergence of the "cult of domesticity," granting women immense power in making significant family decisions. The antebellum market revolution rendered traditional women's work devalued, but paradoxically, this shift also led to increased respect for women within their households.
With the antebellum market revolution, women found themselves with more time for their children, as the shift from homemade to store-bought items rendered traditional women's work as superfluous.
Store-bought items began to replace homemade products, and women found themselves with more time for familial responsibilities. However, this economic shift also had its challenges. Many women, particularly African American women, found themselves enslaved, separated from their families to toil in labor, as depicted in the image "Selling a Mother from Her Child" (Doc B).
The antebellum market revolution brought about a profound transformation in the economic landscape. Factory jobs, notably at the Lowell textile mill in Massachusetts, provided employment opportunities for women. Despite the grueling twelve to thirteen-hour workdays, many women, drawn by the prospect of earning money, flocked to these factories (Doc D). However, the era also saw the grim reality of slavery, with images like "Selling a Mother from Her Child" illustrating the separation of families for economic reasons (Doc B).
As women entered the workforce, their newfound economic independence sparked a shift in societal perceptions. The Second Great Awakening played a crucial role in inspiring women to voice their opinions on various issues, including slavery. In rare instances, women like Harriet spoke out, asserting that women, armed with truth, possessed the strength to contribute to the overthrow of unjust systems (Doc C).
While factory work provided economic opportunities for some women, it also came with its challenges. Factory girls typically worked six days a week for twelve to thirteen hours a day, as mentioned by Harriet Farley in her account (Doc D). This underscores the complex interplay between economic progress and the exploitation of women in the workforce during the antebellum period.
The Second Great Awakening's influence extended beyond religious realms, empowering women to advocate for their rights. Dorothea Dix's impassioned plea to the Massachusetts legislature concerning the inhumane treatment of the mentally ill showcased a woman asserting her opinions (Doc F). In 1848, the Woman's Rights Convention at Seneca Falls, New York, marked a watershed moment. Elizabeth Stanton's "Declaration of Sentiments," proclaiming the equality of all men and women, laid the foundation for the modern women's rights movement.
Subsequently, women continued to press for their rights in a petition to the Massachusetts legislature in 1853, emphasizing the importance of extending civil rights to women for the welfare and progress of the state (Doc I). The cumulative impact of the antebellum market revolution and the Second Great Awakening led to a seismic shift in women's roles, setting the stage for a transformation that persists to this day.
In conclusion, the period between 1815 and 1860 witnessed a profound metamorphosis in the roles of women, driven by the antebellum market revolution and the Second Great Awakening. The shift from domesticity to economic participation marked a turning point, as women began to command respect within their households and workplaces. The emergence of women's voices in advocacy and politics during this era laid the groundwork for the modern women's rights movement, reshaping the role of women in family, workplace, and society. The lasting impact of these transformative events echoes in the changed landscape of women's roles in contemporary society.
The antebellum market revolution and the Second Great Awakening not only influenced the 19th-century America but laid the foundation for the ongoing struggle for women's rights. The challenges and opportunities faced by women during this period continue to shape discussions around gender equality, emphasizing the enduring relevance of this historical transformation in understanding and addressing contemporary issues.
Antebellum Revolution & Spiritual Awakening (1815-1860). (2016, May 19). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-changing-place-of-women-dbq-essay
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