...History of National Women's History Month The Beginning As recently as the 1970's, women's history was virtually an unknown topic in the K-12 curriculum or in general public consciousness. To address this situation, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a "Women's History Week" celebration for 1978. We chose the week of March 8 to make International Women's Day the focal point of the observance. The activities that were held met with enthusiastic response, and within a few years dozens of schools planned special programs for Women's History Week, over one-hundred community women participated in the Community Resource Women Project, an annual "Real Woman" Essay Contest drew hundreds of entries, and we were staging a marvelous annual parade and program in downtown Santa Rosa, California. Local Celebrations In 1979, a member of our groups was invited to participate in Women's History Institutes at Sarah Lawrence College, attended by the national leaders of organizations for women and girls. When they learned about our county-wide Women's History Week celebration, they decided to initiate similar celebrations within their own organizations and school districts. They also agreed to support our efforts to secure a Congressional Resolution declaring a "National Women's History Week." Together we succeeded! In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) co-sponsored the first Joint Congressional...
Words: 638 - Pages: 3
...The History of Women HIS 204 American History Since 1865 The History of Women What would the world be if not for the powerful women who have helped to guide the path of women’s rights in the nation? Would women enjoy the same freedoms or would women still be prisoners to the home? Thankfully women don’t need to spend much time contemplating this as we did have strong, powerful women that fought for women’s rights for centuries. Women encouraged other women to fight for equality, fight for freedom, fight for the opportunity to be a strong independent woman in a nation of strong independent men. This paper will discuss several significant events that shaped the future for women in America. Events driven by women that wanted their voices to be heard through a sea of men, women that wanted men to realize that women had a lot to offer this world we live in. The first event this paper will discuss is the American Equal Rights Association started in 1866 by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. This association would shine a light on women’s suffrage in the nation and later inspire a more radical group called The National Woman Suffrage Association. World War I was another event that that the shaped the future for women in America and around the world. Women left their homes to become nurses that would care for wounded soldiers around the world. Another event is the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920. The 19th amendment gave women a voice in elections throughout...
Words: 3271 - Pages: 14
...HISTORY SUMMARY 1865-19901865-1900In the years following the Civil War the United States was transformed by the enormous growth of industry. Once, the United States was mainly a nation of small farms. By 1900, it was a nation of growing cities, of coal, steel, and of engines and fast communications. Though living standards generally rose, millions of industrial workers lived in crowded, unsanitary slums.In the north, industrial violence was common and occurred on numerous occasions. The most violent confrontation between labor and employers was probably the Great Railway Strike of 1877. The nation had been in the grip of a severe depression for four years. During that time, the railroads had decreased the wages of railway workers by 20 percent. Many trainmen complained that they could not support their families adequately, and there was little that the trainmen could do about the wage decreases. At that time, unions were weak and workers feared going on strike; there were too many unemployed men who might take their jobs. Some workers secretly formed a Trainmen's Union to oppose the railroads. In the last quarter of the century, the textile, metal, and machinery industries equaled the railroads in size. In 1870, the typical iron and steel firm employed fewer than 100 workers. Thirty years later, the force was four times as large. By 1900, more than 1,000 factories had work forces ranging from 500 to 1,000 workers. From 1860 to 1900 some 15 million immigrants from southern and...
Words: 3533 - Pages: 15
...1. American women’s history has been on a rollercoaster ride since 1877. While American women’s history has experienced numerous themes or ideas, two that have been consistent throughout history is that of women’s rights, which encompasses the second theme of gender roles. From the beginning of this course, we have studied and read about gender and the roles that society believes the different sexes to be responsible for. Since the beginning, women were not granted or afforded a life independent from their spouse or significant other. They were considered property of their spouse, allowing them to do with as they please. Women were seen as inferior to men and were denied the same luxuries as men. Societal beliefs were that a woman’s role was as the homemaker. She was responsible for taking care of the home and children and keeping things in order for her spouse, who was the party responsible for financially caring for the family. It was thought that if women were afforded male luxuries, such as voting, gender roles in the home would change, something that males did not want to see happen. When the National American Women’s Suffrage Association formed in the 1890s, women lacked many of the rights that men had and were fighting to obtain voting rights equal to that of men. These rights would be the first step in gaining equality for women. This was the beginning of what would pave the way for the great women’s movement and what we know as the Equal Rights Amendment today. Gender...
Words: 1177 - Pages: 5
...California History”, there are two decades in two chapters that share some similarities and differences. For example, Chapter 5 discusses about women playing a role during the California Gold Rush, while Chapter 8 discusses about women progressives who created and took part in the progressive movement in California. Both chapters take place in different decades, while Chapter 5 takes place during the 1850’s – 1870’s, Chapter 8 takes place during the early 1900’s. A similarity both of these chapters share is that both chapters discuss about women having a major role in two important decades in California. On the other hand, both chapters are different because they take place during a different time period in California....
Words: 814 - Pages: 4
...Final Paper Prep: History of American Women in World War II Marilyn Thorsted HIS 204 American History Since 1865 (BUH1028C) Instructor: Dana Logan July 26, 2010 Topic The topic that I chose to write on is the History of American Women during World War II. What I would like to focus on is how these women lived and what impact they had on the American society at home or on the battlefront. Thesis: Women in World War II played an important role in defending our country at home and away. They were helpful when it came to filling the much needed jobs that were left behind by the men, and they provided much support on the battlefield as many of them recruited in the arm forces. Sources: Carter, R (2005). Blacks in America’s military: A legacy of war time heroism. New York Amsterdam News, 96 (24), 10-166 Retrieved July 26, 2007 from Academic Search Premier Database This source reports on contributions made by African Americans as they served in military and how valiantly throughout history. Many of these women sacrifice their way of live to protect the life and freedoms of the nation. Eisenmann, L. (2002). Educating the Female Citizen in a Post-war World: competing ideologies for American women, 1945–1965. Educational Review, 54(2), 133- 141. doi:10.1080/00131910220133220. Retrieved July 20, 2010, from Academic Search Premier Database This source gives information about Women in the post-World War II that found themselves caught between patriotisms...
Words: 745 - Pages: 3
...WOMEN IN SOCIETY, HISTORY. Writer Hester Eisenstein, claim that Feminism or feminist thoughts is traceable back to the fifteenth century and also to earlier times, such as the age of Sappho. However, it is mainly observed from the mid 1960’s and 70’s, when the organised women’s movement began to revitalise itself and make a statement, that feminist perspectives began to influence the outpouring of publications on women history and female education. (Purvis June 1985). This piece of work is taken from the document written about Medieval Education in England. It shows that what little education given was mainly received by boys and girls hardly ever got any sort of education or as little as possible, instead they where to stay at home and learn home keeping. My commentary is focused on the history of women from the Roman to Medieval times. Except for a few exceptions, all Roman women were for their entire lives subject to some degree of limitation on the capacity for independent legal actions. (Jane Gardner 1986). Authority to act must either be obtained from, or was ordered by a man, which could either be a father, husband or guardian. For girls, puberty was written in law, and a girl is said to have reached it at the age of twelve, and to be of marriageable age at 12 and sometimes before they actually reach puberty. A woman married with Manus (creation) was effectively in the position of an adopted daughter and a part of the family, she had no legal independence and no independent...
Words: 1589 - Pages: 7
...“functions” of sports and supports the conclusion that sports are a source of inspiration for individuals and societies. Functionalist theory however has three major weaknesses. Functionalists see sport as a relatively stable social institution that always serves specific functions in societies. Such an approach overlooks the diversity of sports, the extent to which sports promote the interests of powerful and wealthy people, and the possibility that sports may sometimes produce or reproduce social outcomes that actually disrupt the smooth functioning of society. Additionally, functionalist theory may overstate the positive effects of sport in society and understate its negative effects. For example, it does not help us to understand that women in society are disadvantaged when sports are organized in ways that legitimize the use of physical power to dominate others. Lastly, functionalist theory is based on the assumption that the needs of all groups within a society are the same. This overlooks the existence of...
Words: 1773 - Pages: 8
...Women and Equal Rights Sharon Edick Kaplan University Women and Equal Rights On August 26, 2011 women celebrated the 91st anniversary of a victory that took more than 70 years of political struggle to achieve, the right to vote. After this victory was achieved, socialist feminist Crystal Eastman stated “that although suffrage was an important first step what women really wanted was freedom” and she actually laid out a plan that is still relevant today. She outlined a four point program of what women need to achieve in order to have the same freedoms and equality as men. 1. Economic independence for women, including the freedom to choose an occupation and receive pay equal to a man. 2. Gender equality at home, men in the home sharing the responsibilities of family life. 3. Reproductive freedom, the ability to choose when, if and how many children they would have. 4. Financial support for homemaking and child raising (Ellen Carol DuBois; Lynn Dumenil, 2012). Since 1920 women have won many rights and opportunities in areas like education, professional sports and in some states same sex marriages. However, if we look at the “priorities” that Eastman identified how far have we actually come when the U.S. Constitution does not even guarantee women the same rights as men? With ground already broken in the workplace due to women’s participation in various professions, trades and unions, women believed that equality in the workplace would be the easiest part...
Words: 2183 - Pages: 9
...seventeen thousand, seven hundred and fourteen (1, 317, 714) and the development of a country coincides with the population growth. Women have played a crucial role in the development of Trinidad and Tobago both in historical times and present day. There is a saying “besides a man there is a good women standing” I interpret this as meaning society cannot function with one gender but rather both genders are required to achieve development and growth. In Trinidad and Tobago women have contributed positively in the areas of sports, culture, education, family life, leadership and politics and continue to do so for the greater good of the country. Women in the field of sports have also impacted on the development of Trinidad and Tobago. Any country that supports and promotes a woman in sports has already showed great development in nation building. In the past suppression of women was rampant and her role was mainly seen as a housewife. Men dominated sporting activities while the women were on the sidelines. In 1973 the Trinidad and Tobago women’s cricket team appeared in the first women’s cricket world cup where they finished fifth out of seven teams. But they were not recognized and compensated as is being done today for other athletes. So, one can clearly see how much changes has occurred and how the country has developed towards women in the field of sports. Today, sports can be found in every primary and secondary school including tertiary level institutions used...
Words: 474 - Pages: 2
...When the first man and woman walked the earth, humans began their forever habit of disobeying while knowing what was good or evil. God told Adam and Eve not to eat fruit from a particular tree, but they did. Not following God's "law" resulted in punishment. There was no actual system of Law and Justice until much later. Over time, it became apparent that people could not simply run around doing whatever they wanted without something to abide by. Certain events led to laws being created and removed, different forms of punishment being used, women becoming a part of Law Enforcement, and a system that would be built up to a great form of dominion over a nation of people. In modern times, there are a multitude of options that a person can choose...
Words: 1032 - Pages: 5
...The History of Black Women Hair In the early year black women faces problems with managing their hair and creating different hair styles to wear. The black woman was limited to styles when it came to doing black hair. The texture of black women’s hair was woolly, thick, unmanageable and bushy. Many would cover their hair with wigs. Many kept their hair in a bush, or braids, and others pulled the hair back into a pony-tail. In 1905, steel hot comb with teeth spaced for apart for thick hair was invented by Sarah Breedlove giving the black women straight hair (Sarah Breedlove, 2009, p. 2). Women all over were using the straightening comb getting the straight long lengthy hair that was more manageable for combing. In 1928, Marjorie Joyner invented permanent relaxer for the black women hair (Bellis, 2009, p. 2). This new method would soften and smooth black women hair. The textured of the black women’s hair had changed stronger, straighter, more manageable, soft and smooth. The permanent relaxer was better than straightening comb because the straight of hair lasts longer after using the permanent relaxer. The styles were holding up longer. Being able to manage the hair became easier. Black women everywhere were using the product permanent relaxer in their hair. The permanent relaxer was such hit among the black women. Marjorie Joyner improved the permanent relaxer into a permanent wave machine that could perm and curl black women hair. The permanent relaxer and...
Words: 418 - Pages: 2
...Dawi zabarmawi History of women in art Throughout the centuries, women around the world have engaged in artwork as either creators or innovators of various forms of artistic expressions. They have contributed significantly as art historians hence they have been integral to the institution of art in the society. Despite their evident contributions in the art world, women artists have encountered opposition especially in the ancient times. It is indisputable that women artists have been under represented in major art collections in previous eras; otherwise some women would have gained recognition as Picasso. According to Chadwick (6), many women have contributed to visual culture, but their efforts have been neglected. Women artists have been perceived as marginal because of their gender. Chadwick (15) believes that women...
Words: 663 - Pages: 3
...To further the understanding of women as a minority group in America during the earlier part of the 1900s, Gerda Lerner’s article Placing Women in History shows there are different levels conceptualizing women’s history. For example, the first level describes how trained historians have approached women’s history by focusing on their achievements which didn’t help people know about activities most women engaged in and the significance of those activities to society as a whole. Showalter asserts that history has not included female experience so it is insufficient to find an understanding of women’s experiences. Two essays by social anthropologist Edwin Ardener, “Belief and the Problem of Women” (1972) and “The Problem Revisited” (1975),...
Words: 277 - Pages: 2
...The interview with my mother made me feel that women today will start following their dreams, while maintaining old traditions. I learned that as a mother the responsibilities will always be there even if there is no man within the household. To me it is unfair that the bigger responsibilities are still left with the women. Every response that was made about the difference in the expectation of male compared to female me feel more connected with women’s history because my mom spoke about discrimination as if it was normal. After the interview, I can now see an example to why women seldom make history. When women became free from certain law, they were not entirely free from what they are used to traditionally. Although true freedom of equality...
Words: 337 - Pages: 2
