Question

Discuss the participation of women in the revolution

Answer 1

Role of women in French revolution:

a. Women played an active role in the French revolution. They stepped out of their traditional domestic role as a mother and wife, and extended into the turbulent world of revolutionary politics.
b. They were involved in some of the major events associated with revolution like the attack on the Bastille, in storming government buildings, the October Days of 1789, the Reign of Terror, and bread riots throughout the revolution.
c. In the wake of revolutionary war which brought huge losses to the people, women also formed political clubs to show their discontentment.
d. During the reign of terror, many prominent women were arrested like Olympe De gouges and women clubs were banned.
e. Later, women also pressurised the revolutionary government to fulfil their demands and be sensitive to their interests.
f. They organised groups, clubs in order to voice their views, demanding equal set of political rights, right to vote.
g. Some efforts were made to improve the conditions of women after revolution. like laws were made related to marriage, divorce was legalised, schools were set up , schooling was made compulsory for girls.
h. However, It was only in 1946, that women were given right to vote in France.


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