Feminism and the French Revolution

Feminism and the French Revolution

Brianna Kirkham

Hist 3323

French Revolution and

The Old Regime

Stover

April 27, 2014

Feminism and the French Revolution

During 18th century France, women were limited in their rights. Women’s testimonies were accepted in civil court however, they were unable to sign legal documents. Women were able to attend assemblies and political meetings. Although women were able to attain these rights, their remaining rights were stripped. Single women were expected to live in their father’s homes until they were married. Once a woman was married her father’s rule was transferred to her husband and she had no control over herself or her property. Woman could contribute to the family finances as long as her husband allowed it, and her income was less than a man. Women could only find work as a domestic worker, heavy labor and textile production. Eventually women were able to attain some rights such as; initiate divorce, marry without consent, name the father of an illegitimate child, receive child support from child’s father, inherit land and own their own property. There were many great and powerful women during the 18th century and they found a way to be heard in a male dominant world. In this paper, the power of women during the French revolution will be realized and these questions will be answered: Who were these women and what was their purpose for the benefit of women today? How did the women of the French Revolution play a role in the future of France? And, how did these 18th century women fight for their rights and achieve such remarkable ends to their status as human beings and not just maintain their passive submissive voice?

Many women played a significant role in the developing of the rights of the French woman during the 18th century. The women that will be discussed in this paper are; Olympe de Gouges, Germaine de Stael, Pauline Leon, Theroigne de Mericourt, Theresia de Fontenay and Manon Roland.

Olympe...