How Far Had the Legal and Moral Position of Women Improved by the 1900’s?

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History Essay How far had the legal and moral position of women improved by the 1900’s? By Henry Watkins Before 1830 women really had nothing. When it came to their legal and moral standings they were seen as almost an accessory to a far more political, war hungry and money making man. Men and women lived and behaved in separate spheres and that’s where they belonged. Anyone seen to not be abiding by these gripping, worlds would simply be regarded as an outcast of society and a no body. However things began to change for women legally and morally, and how far they changed is a key standing point at the centre of this essay. There was a significant amount of change legally and morally stemming from the work of individuals who strived to achieve better positions and respect for women. However although these women played a huge role in influencing change its important to note that these were not just any women. Further more its key to not that one of the main factors hindering changes for women legally and morally would be class. Caroline Norton was the first standout woman to pressure MPs for legal changes for women. She was an accomplished writer. She had a good education and came from a wealthy background. She also had key connections in parliament. Caroline Norton went on to influence the Custody of children act in 1839. This gave mothers the right of custody of their children under seven but only if the Lord Chancellor agreed to it and only if the women was of good character. This act being passed was outstanding as it enabled women to begin to start having fair legal rights alongside men. How ever with this amount of progression there is also certain degree of stagnation. Although women are gaining more power there are still clauses, which limit their control over there children. For example the women had to be of ‘good character’ and the
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