Women during the French Revolution

Laura Cereta

A radical feminist in her time (Renaissance) who had enough education to write about her ideas. She was Italian, she furthered her education after her husband died and began publishing writing. She believed women should be educated, they are more than mothers.

Catherine de Pisan

Italian Renaissance; wrote 'letter to a son'; opposing views to Machiavelli, but ideas on how to live/rule. she was one of the few women of the time period that were educated, she was able to write. When she was unexpectedly left to support herself and her family on her own, she became the first woman in Europe to successfully make a living through writing.

Mary Wollstonecraft

Mother of Mary Shelly (author of Frankenstein) Wrote Vindication of the Rights of Man Wrote Vindication of the Rights of Women Wanted to eliminate sexual inequality Challenged women to be strong mentally and physically Wanted a rigorous co-education of both sexes Women should enter business and politics

Women's March on Versailles

This was the march by the women of Paris to the home of Marie Antoinette in order to demand action for the ridiculous raise in the price of bread

Changes made

Women could seek divorce Women could inherit property Women could get money from men for their children Women could not vote nor be involved in politics (they were partially involved in Salons) (all taken away w/ Napoleon)

Olympe de Gouges

Wrote Declaration of the Rights of Women Women are born free and equal to men All occupations should be open to women Implored women to wake up, and demand their rights Executed during the terror (for being against the Jacobins)