20th-Century Feminism

20th-Century Feminism: AP European History Study Guide

Welcome to the wild world of 20th-century feminism! Think of this guide as your backstage pass to the feminist revolution, where women swapped petticoats for power suits and started calling the shots. 💪👗

The 20th century was a rollercoaster ride for women's rights. After years of being told to "sit pretty," women finally got the right to vote in many countries. World War II played a big role in this shift. As men went off to fight, women took on jobs in factories and offices, proving they could do more than just bake pies and knit socks. Rosie the Riveter wasn't just a snazzy poster; she was a game-changer. By the war's end, women's participation in the workforce had skyrocketed, making it clear they were here to stay. 🏭🍰✊

In the mid-1960s, Second-Wave Feminism burst onto the scene like a protest march at a rock concert. While the first wave fought for basic rights like voting, the second wave was all, "Hey, we want more than just a ballot!" This movement tackled issues like equal pay, educational opportunities, and the right to pursue professional careers.

Women argued that they should have control over their bodies—yes, we're looking at you, birth control pills and reproductive rights! Sexual liberation and reproductive freedom were high on the agenda, and this movement sought to dismantle the patriarchal systems that kept women down.

The movement primarily comprised educated, middle-class women and focused on broad social changes, influencing politics and laws, particularly in reproductive rights, workplace equality, and combating domestic violence.

One of the most prominent figures of Second-Wave Feminism was Simone de Beauvoir. She penned "The Second Sex" in 1949, dropping truth bombs like nobody's business. Her argument was simple yet profound: Women have been treated as the "other" throughout history, leading to their oppression. The book is a feminist classic and still gets discussed more than Harry Potter at a book club. 📚💥

While Western feminists were burning bras (okay, maybe not literally), their Eastern European counterparts faced tougher challenges. Governments in places like the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and Poland controlled the media and education system, which meant any form of feminist dissent was a no-go. The state preached gender equality, but in reality, women were expected to work, have kids, and not make too much noise about it. Activism was often considered a threat to the state, making it harder for feminist movements to gain traction.

The feminists' efforts weren't in vain, though. They pushed for new modes of marriage, partnership, motherhood, and divorce, giving women more say in their personal lives than ever before. In Western Europe, advances like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and birth control gave women unprecedented control over their motherhood choices.

Take France, for example, where the birth control pill became a game-changer. It was widely accepted and led to decreased maternal mortality and greater social and economic mobility for women. Across the Channel, the UK initially met the pill with resistance but eventually came around, much to the relief of women nationwide. Conversely, countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal faced significant opposition from the Catholic Church, but even there, the availability and acceptance of birth control improved over time.

In Eastern Europe, communist governments officially promoted access to safe and legal abortion. However, access varied by country and was often limited by economic and cultural factors.

Women didn't just make noise; they made waves in political spheres. Margaret Thatcher smashed the glass ceiling in the UK, becoming the first female Prime Minister and introducing a new brand of conservatism known as "Thatcherism." In France, Edith Cresson served as the first female Prime Minister, albeit briefly, and Mary Robinson broke new ground in Ireland as the country's first female President. These women proved that leadership wasn't just a boys' club anymore.

• Birth Control Pill: Hormonal contraceptives that prevent pregnancy, empowering women with more control over their reproductive health.
• Communist Governments in Eastern Europe: These regimes exerted state control over many aspects of life, including media and education, often curbing feminist movements.
• Enfranchisement: The right to vote, a significant milestone in women's rights movements worldwide.
• In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A medical procedure that helps with conception by combining an egg and sperm outside the body.
• Second-Wave Feminism: A movement from the 1960s to the 1980s focusing on a broad range of gender equality issues beyond voting rights, including workplace equality, reproductive rights, and combating domestic violence.
• Simone de Beauvoir: An influential feminist thinker known for "The Second Sex," a foundational text that critiques the historical oppression of women.

Did you know? The birth of the women's liberation movement was closely tied to the civil rights movement in the United States. Talk about double-duty activism!

So there you have it, the whirlwind tour of 20th-century feminism! From fighting for the right to vote to championing reproductive rights and rising in political power, women made monumental strides throughout the 20th century. These advancements paved the way for ongoing gender equality efforts in the 21st century. Now go out there and ace that AP European History exam, equipped with all the knowledge (and a sprinkle of feminist power)!

And remember, just like the feminists of the past, you too can make a difference. 🌟🌍