Revolutionary Transformation of Women’s Role in Society

The Revolution transformed the role of women in American society. Law and custom in colonial America reflected the idea that women were morally inferior to men. Mothers bore and nursed their infants, but the task of teaching children right from wrong fell, at least in principle, on their fathers. Professor Berkin reveals how the Revolution encouraged the view that women are morally capable and transferred to mothers the role of teaching their children to be responsible citizens of the American republic.

Part 1 of 4: Women’s Rights Before the Revolution (6:18)

Part 2 of 4: After the War, Voting and Property Rights (6:26)

Part 3 of 4: A New Radical Idea: Republican Motherhood (6:15)

Part 4 of 4: Education is Radicalizing (1:50)