Women's history in the seventeenth century

American Women's History

There were many differences between Native American Culture and British culture, especially in the gender roles assigned to women. For instance, Native American women of the Powhatan tribe controlled agricultural production. Providing food for the family was considered by the British to be a man's job, therefore, European women were not responsible for agricultural production. Another difference is in the way that the Native American and British women approached sexual relations. Because the Native American women were considered scantily dressed, with beads, paint, and tattoos, as well as the fact that they readily gave sexual favors to the British men, the British considered them to be promiscuous. On the other hand, British women did not engage in open sexual relations, and kept their sexuality extremely private. Powhatan Women were sexually active, European women were not.

The portrait of Pocahontas, which depicts her in European-style clothing, is an attempt at English propaganda; demonstrating what the Native Americans could become under English control and guidance. (Sheppard 1891) Pocahontas is depicted wearing modern European clothing, representing that although she was a "savage," with the proper education and training, the Native Americans could become as "civilized" as the English.

3. During the Colonial Period women did not have the same legal rights as men. A married woman was considered to have the legal status called "Feme Covert," (Cullen-DuPont 2000) or a status where the woman had little or no legal rights. Under the status of Feme Covert, a woman could not enter into contracts, make a will, and her property belonged to wither her father or her husband.

4. Women in the Colonial Period had little or no legal rights, and could be treated by her husband or father in any way they wanted. However, if a woman was an indentured servant, her master was responsible for providing necessary food and lodgings and must treat her humanely. If her master violated these rights, indentured servants, both make and female, to make a complaint to the commissioner and if the complaint was found to be valid, the servant shall "have remedy his [or her] grievances." ("Laws on Indentured Servants," Henning, II, 117-118) On the other hand a female indentured servant could not marry whom she chose without permission of her master or mistress. If she did marry without permission, the law stated that "for such her offense double the tyme of service with her master or mistress." ("Laws on Indentured Servants," Henning, I, 252-253)

5. The 1629 case of Thomas/Thomasine Hall entailed what appears to be a person suffering from gender confusion who entered into an indentured contract. But because of this confusion over Hall's gender, the case ended up in court. The court "go clothed in man's apparel, only his head to be attired in a coyse and crosscioth [a linen cloth worn across the forehead, especially by women] with an apron before him." ("Legal Case: Thomas/sine Hall") As most of the men had decided the case of gender based on behavior, while the women based their decision on physiology, the court's decision was an attempt to compromise. By wearing men's clothes, the court recognized Hall's masculine physiology, but by also allowing him to wear women's headgear and an apron the court also recognized his feminine behavior.

6. The painting depicting three generations of the Cheney family is significant as it can provide examples of the differences between living in the New England area and the Chesapeake Bay area. First of all it represents something new in human history; grandparents. For most of human history people rarely lived long enough to have three generations living simultaneously. Secondly, the sheer number of people in the family, twelve, indicates that the New England area was a better area for the survival of women and children. The Chesapeake Bay area was prone to more diseases while the New England area had a better climate.

7. Anne Hutchinson violated the female gender roles of the 1630's by, as she was charged, "promoting and divulging of those opinions that are causes of this trouble, & #8230;you have spoken divers things as we have been informed very prejudicial to the honour of the churches and ministers,…[and] maintained a meeting and an assembly in your house." ("Trial and Interrogation of Anne Hutchinson") As those who interrogated her stated, these things were "not tolerable nor comely in the sight of God nor fitting for your sex." ("Trial and Interrogation of Anne Hutchinson") She performed religious rites that were reserved for men, and in doing so brought down the wrath of the community.

8. The circumstances that put women in a position that conflicted with 17th century gender roles, and thus accused of witchcraft were independent women who came into possession and control of property. Women could get into this position by becoming widows and having no living sons, for example, Katherine Harrison inherited her husband's property but had only daughters. ("The Salem Witchcraft Episode") Because she did not remarry, she was subjected to harassment from her male neighbors, It was not until she transferred her property to her daughter, who was engaged to a prominent man, that she received the protection of a man and the harassment stopped.

9. The will of William Elliott is a glimpse into what people in the 18th century placed value on. For instance, William left to his son his clothes, watch, books, some furniture, and a white servant named Michael. But to his two grandsons, who traditionally receive things of lesser value, received four slaves each. This would indicate that clothes, furniture, books, and one white servant were more valuable to 18th century people than four black slaves.

10. The painting of the Potter family of Rhode Island in the 1750's can provide a bit of information about the difference between slavery in Northern and Southern colonies. First of all the fact that the Potter's had the slave included in their portrait is an indication that in the North, slaves were used on family farms as household servants or with childcare. Secondly, the Potter's male slave is typical of Northern slave owners who used slaves in their households, but used primarily male slaves trained in crafts.

11. Women in Colonial America needed to choose a good husband because their lives, activities, and identity was defined by their marriage. If women did not marry, they could end up a "spinster," which put them in a state of economic and social dependence. On the other hand, since divorce was costly and risky, it was therefore, rare, while abandonment was much more popular.

12. The American Revolution provided a number of opportunities for women to escape their traditional gender roles. For example, women were expected to remain in the household and not to engage in public affairs. However, American Patriot women were members of the "Committee for Tarring and Feathering," participated in the Boston Tea Party, followed the camp of the Continental Army, and even enlisted in the Army under the guise of men. Women also formed publicly active groups like the Ladies' Association of Philadelphia, which raised money for the Continental Army.