Previously, women existed in a male-ruled society and were expected to be at home raising children and taking care of the house, while men were supposed to go home. work and provide for the family. Since the beginning of civilization, women have been victims of prejudice that ultimately “forced women to throw off the political, economic, intellectual, and social chains that bound them” (Joshi 13). The complexity of the difficulties faced by women in the 19th century, in the fight for equality, led to many women being arrested and disrespected within their communities. Even though the consequences seem like a betrayal, many women have risked their livelihoods and demonstrated the determination and will to fight and succeed toward a much greater goal: equality and respect. However, are the freedoms that human rights activists fought so hard to achieve still not being enjoyed throughout American society, as many suffragists hoped? During the Civil War of 1861-1865, when men went off to fight, women were left behind. in the cities to support themselves by aggressively taking over all the necessary jobs that required a replacement. They received very little pay, usually less than half of the average man's salary (Thomsen 32). Along with manual labor, the woman would return home and take care of the household and children after a long day of work. For many years, women were able to juggle male and female roles, but they still gained very little respect in society. During the fight, many anti-feminists preached their views on women on a daily basis to virtually anyone who would listen. One example is that of Edward H. Clarke, a best-selling author, ...... middle of paper ...... 0,000 per year (Glazer 24). Several evaluations have been carried out and have shown that younger women, before the childbearing years, are more likely to obtain employment than women after or during the childbearing years, as this is seen as less responsibility when one is not attached to children. CitéGlazer, Sarah. (April 14, 2006). The future of feminism. CQ Researcher, 16, 313-336. Retrieved March 3, 2010 from CQ Researcher Online, “Great Speeches Collection” (2003). Available from: The History Place..Joshi, ST, trans. In its place: a documentary history of prejudice against women. New York: Promenthus Books, 2006. Thomsen, Natasha and Cullen-DuPont, Kathryn. Global issues: women's rights. New York: Facts About Record Books, 2007.