please check my answer
What methods did women use to gain a stronger voice in social and political affairs during the Gilded Age?
After the Civil War, some women called for greater educational opportunities. In response to this, educators and philanthropists established private women’s colleges with high academic standards. Opportunities for men and women to study together also increased. But because most scholarships went to men, women had a harder time obtaining a college education. By the 1900s women had a few demands; they should be able to vote, they should be able to control their own property and income, and they should have access to higher education and professional jobs. But other people thought that giving women economic and political power would upset the social order, and destroy their femininity. Women continued to perform most jobs in the home, but thanks to the era’s technological revolution, some aspects of this work became less time-consuming. In 1870 nearly 2 million women and girls worked outside the home, most of which were single. After the Civil War, women had an interest to join voluntary associations primarily for intellectual and social reasons. These clubs gave women invaluable experience in speaking, writing, and financial skills. During this period another question was raised; how should women dress and behave? Women began to shorten their hair, raise hemlines and wear skirts and blouses that were more suited to their new activities. Still most women saw domestic fulfillment as their chief goal.
That is all ok, but the METHOD they used was suffrage. Women organized, and voted as a block whenever they were allowed to. Politics were sharply divided during that time, so any well organized small party dictated the results. (No president between 1880 and 1896 had a majority vote). So women were quietly courted for their support. This lead to even greater expansion of women's roles in politics and the social order.
ok, thanks bobpursley :)
Your answer is mostly correct, but let me break it down and explain each point in more detail.
During the Gilded Age, which refers to the period from roughly the end of the Civil War to the early 1900s, women used various methods to gain a stronger voice in social and political affairs. Here are some of the key methods:
1. Demand for greater educational opportunities: After the Civil War, some women advocated for increased access to education. In response, private women's colleges were established with higher academic standards. Additionally, opportunities for co-education, where men and women studied together, also grew. However, scholarships and financial support were still mostly given to men, making it harder for women to obtain a college education.
2. Calls for women's suffrage: By the early 1900s, women began demanding the right to vote. They believed that political power was necessary to create change and address their concerns. Suffrage movements, such as the National American Woman Suffrage Association, advocated for women's right to vote and actively campaigned for their cause.
3. Push for control over property and income: Women also fought for the right to control their own property and income. Previously, women's legal rights were often limited once they married, as their property became their husband's. Advocates sought to change this and establish legal rights for women in regards to property and income.
4. Access to higher education and professional jobs: Women aimed to have the same opportunities for higher education and professional careers as men. They believed it was essential for women to be able to pursue careers and achieve economic independence. However, some people opposed this idea, fearing that it would disrupt traditional gender roles and societal order.
5. Formation of voluntary associations and clubs: Women began joining voluntary associations and clubs for intellectual and social reasons. These clubs provided women with opportunities to develop skills in speaking, writing, and finance, which were crucial for their involvement in public affairs. Through these associations, women gained experience and built networks to further their causes.
6. Transformation of gender norms and fashion: During this period, there was a shift in how women dressed and behaved. Many women began to adopt more practical and comfortable clothing styles that were better suited for their new activities. This included shorter hairstyles, raised hemlines, and skirts and blouses that allowed for greater mobility. However, it's important to note that while some women embraced these changes, many still saw domestic fulfillment as their primary goal.
Overall, women during the Gilded Age utilized a combination of educational, political, and social strategies to gain a stronger voice in society and politics. These efforts laid the groundwork for the eventual achievement of women's suffrage and advancements in women's rights.