Examines the historical characteristics of women in the United States. Discusses the conceptions of women's roles expressed by writers from Alexis de Tocqueville to Betty Friedan, specifically the notion of the woman's "sphere" in society. Concludes that the idea of "separate spheres" was used to characterize power…

The Women's Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor was created by Congress in 1920, and given the mandate: "to formulate standards and policies which shall promote the welfare of wage-earning women, improve their working conditions, increase their efficiency, and advance their opportunities for profitable employment." Highlights from the…

The nearly 300 biographical sketches in this dictionary focus on women who have made meaningful, although often unheralded, contributions to American history and culture. Although the collection concentrates on historical achievements, several women reflect contemporary accomplishments or historical firsts. The biographies span the time from…

Emma Goldman (1869-1940) is a major figure in the history of radicalism and feminism in the United States. In a period when the expression of controversial ideas was dangerous, Goldman insisted on her right to challenge convention. She was among the most prominent advocates of labor's right to organize, reproductive rights, sexual freedom, freedom…

Addresses two aspects of the First Lady's role that are applicable to the use of material culture in the classroom: (1) the First Lady's social role, its impact on the presidential administration, and its use as a reflection of the changing status of the nation; and (2) the First Lady's role as campaigner. (CMK)

Surveys current literature dealing with the 1970s feminist movement, concentrating on national public policy. Remarks that little of the research is archival because the Nixon and Carter presidential papers were just recently opened. Offers predictions for the second wave of reconstruction and interpretation that will follow the opening of the…

Presents a lesson plan that focuses on women on the U.S. homefront during World War II. Offers four interviews with women about their experiences and includes a list of questions for students to answer after they have read the interviews. Discusses other activities. (CMK)

Using primary source documents, this teaching unit focuses on changing women's roles, growing awareness of gender inequities, and activist responses to these conditions in the United States between 1820 and 1860. Teacher background materials include a unit overview, correlation to National Standards for United States History, unit objectives, a…

Reports on an interview with General Wilma L. Vaught, president of the Board of Directors of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation. Discusses a memorial to women in military service to be built in Arlington Cemetery near Washington, DC. (CFR)

Examines the history of employed women from the Great Depression through World War II, highlighting efforts made in their behalf by people such as Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Frances Perkins, Mary Dewson, and Mary Anderson. Provides a selected bibliography of books and U.S. Department of Labor documents. (GEA)

Contends that recent historical research has found strong and growing evidence of the presence of women on Civil War battlefields in numbers far beyond what previously had been believed. Discusses women who fought in disguise, those who served as nurses, and women who were given the title "daughters of the regiment." (CFR)

This book discusses women's roles in Illinois history from the Indian period and the frontier through the Civil War, the Progressive Era, world wars and depressions to the 1970's. It relates these roles to the larger process of historical development. The authors wrote the book for all those seeking to enlarge their understanding of Illinois…

Contends that, although the role of women in the U.S. military and on the homefront during World War II has received increased attention, the service of the civilian women pilots has not been adequately recognized. Presents a classroom lesson on the origins and work of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP's) during World War II. (CFR)

Contends that, although women participated as a group and as individuals in every war, they rarely are acknowledged in history books or commemorated with monuments. Describes nine roles that women played during the American War for Independence and the Civil War. (CFR)

Presents an annotated bibliography on women and war. Includes teaching materials, videotapes, and books containing firsthand accounts as well as histories of women's wartime experiences. Provides addresses for smaller, lesser-known publishers and suggests a grade level for each resource. (CFR)