The-late-18th-century-and-early-part-of-the-19th-century-4pages

The late 18th century and early part of the 19th century are important years in American history as there were very few precedents for what the founding fathers were trying to do with first the Articles of Confederation and then the Constitution. Their ideas were influenced by notable Enlightenment authors who embraced ideals of equality under the law and the importance of education – both of which will be only partially extended to women. The idea that men (but not necessarily women) were all equal is an Enlightenment idea and it is only incompletely realized during this time period. This is felt deeply by many educated elite women who pushed men to extend the legal rights afforded to women – particularly rights over property, legal standing and the right to vote (all things the male colonists complained that Britain had trampled on during the Revolution!). Women were celebrated for their public role during the Revolution, but after the new nation was formed they would need to carve out a niche within the new Republic. As part of your reading in the textbook make sure to note how the experience of the Revolution and the early Republic varied among different groups of women (wealthy vs. poor, colonial vs. native, and free vs. slave will all have varied responses). A local figure who isn’t included in your textbook can be found here: Alethia Browning Tanner.