Question

Define the meaning of the term "Maternal Commonwealth" and explain how it related to women wanting to reform the United States toward the end of the 19th century.

Book: Born of Liberty by Sara M. Evans

Answer 1

The aim was to create a maternal commonwealth. Late 19th century upper-middle - class women were not happy with the early 1800s cults of domesticity. Many had become educated in college and longed to put their knowledge and skills to work for the public good. That was just what Maternal Commonwealth meant. Women's sphere ideals-love, modesty, integrity-will be separated from home and put in public life. The result was a large movement for change that had changed America.

Many educated women of the age felt that alcohol could be traced to many of the greatest disorders in society. Alcohol has led to higher domestic violence and neglect according to their view. The income families could spend on necessities decreased and promoted prostitution and adultery. In short, banning alcohol may diminish some of these illnesses. Frances Willard was the president of the Christian temperance union of the woman, the nation's leading body of prohibition. Although national prohibition was not enacted until 1919, WCTU was successful in exerting pressure on state and local governments to pass dry legislation.

Willard promoted a "Do Anything" approach, suggesting that WCTU chapters often acted as soup kitchens or medical clinics as well. Many of the maternal commonwealth supporters were upper-middle - class women who were male. Many of these women had gained a college education and felt compelled to use it. Around half of the women in that age category have never married, preferring freedom instead. Many women educated at the college were able to join literary clubs and keep their scholarly interests alive.

Life was much different for women who haven't attended college. Throughout the new cities many single, middle-class women took up jobs. Clerical positions were opened to the new company when typewriters became indispensable. Telephone service required switchboard operators and sales positions were required at the new department store. Most of these women felt incredibly liberated, given the lower salaries they were paying as opposed to their male counterparts.

The lives of wealthy women in the South have shifted from managing a home on a slave plantation to one with hired work. Women who encountered new freedom from slavery still endured great difficulties. Sharecropping was a activity for both men and women. Under these conditions, women found themselves doing double duty by working day on the fields, and night on the home.