Breaking New Ground: American Women 1800-1848

The beginning of the 19th century saw much of the population move from farms to cities as jobs in the new mills and factories became plentiful. An urban middle class developed and with it new roles and challenges for women in marriage, work, education, and politics. Many women were offered opportunities and responsibilities that had formerly been for men alone.
More women sought work outside the home, but they had few choices, earned little money, and in almost every case the work they di…