ABSTRACT

This book presents a study of the development of the feminist movement in Britain and America during the 19th century. Acknowledging the similar social conditions in both countries during that period, the author suggests that a real sense of distinctiveness did exist between British and American feminists. American feminists were inspired by their own perception of the superiority of their social circumstances, for example, whereas British feminists found their cause complicated by traditional considerations of class. Christine Bolt aims to show that the story of the American and British women's movement is one of national distinctiveness within an international cause. This book should be of interest to students and teachers of American and British political history and women's studies.

chapter |11 pages

Introduction

chapter |29 pages

The setting for the women's movements

From the eighteenth century to the 1820s

chapter |38 pages

The forces that shaped the women's movements

1820s–1850s

chapter |47 pages

The women's movements take off

1840s–1860s

chapter |56 pages

The women's movements, 1870s–1880s

Consolidation and diversification

chapter |54 pages

The women's movements in maturity

The 1890s to 1914

chapter |6 pages

Afterword