Introduction:


One of the most defining aspects of life in America during the 19Th century was the role that women had in society. It is uncanny to think of the differences between the position of women today and the position of women during that time period. Women were expected to mind the house and watch the children. It was thought wrong for women to be educated like men. The Cult of Domesticity eventually evolved out of these ideas. This four part “cult” epitomized the perfect women. These four parts included domesticity, piety, purity, and submissiveness. Although some of the aspects of the cult were heavily followed, women were often angry about the little respect they received. Many women began to fight for their rights. Because the Cult of Domesticity was extremely difficult to follow, women didn’t question radicals amongst them. the unfeasible expectations set by the Cult of Domesticity instigated changes in the extent to which its elements were followed.


I am aware that this introduction needs A LOT of work...

Weaknesses :(

In order to be successful in this project, I will need to further research all of the topics in order to have a sufficient amount of information. I will also need to get more resources, mainly books.

Thesis: The unfeasible expectations set by the Cult of Domesticity instigated change in the extent to which its elements were followed.


Outline:

A. Intro

B. Cult of Domesticity:
I. Domesticity
1.Definition/Overview
2. Alice Morse Earle
II. Piety
1. Definition/Overview
2. Background of religion during this time period
III. Purity:
1.Definition/Overview
2. Dating rituals?
IV. Submissiveness
1. Definition/Overview
2. Scientific Sexism
C. Examples of Women breaking the cult
-more research needed….

D. Conclusion

Thesis

Thesis: Although some of the elements of the Cult of Domesticity held true, many women did not follow all of the expectations.

Negatives:
-Not a lot of information on the topic.
-Not a lot of solid sources.

Positives:
-Interesting

Interior Decorating-

Interior design and decorating in America had many changes over its generations. The main styles America experienced started at Gothic then traveled to Elizabethan and finally Rococo. Rococco style is a French style that made every room so decorated that it was seen as a work of art. Small, delicate sculptures were used to accentuate the room. Tapestries that displayed rich culture were also used in the rooms. Elegant furniture The main influence on American interior design was from Europe. This created a problem for Americans because they were trying to separate themselves from England. Most Americans wanted to set up their own distinct "American Style". Wood panelling was now only used on walls for molding above the height of chairs and the most elaborate wood in the house would be found on the mantel, doors, and window frames. This wood was enriched with intricate carvings. Rich colors were used for curtains to cover windows and also on the fabric of the sofas and chairs. Walls were kept lighter to balance out these colors and were usually painted light gray or white. Later on, walls were covered with brick-printed wall paper or, in simpler homes, stencilled designs were made.

Citation:
"Interior Design." Britannica.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2010.
Late-18th-to-early-20th-centuries-in-the-US>.

Alice Morse Earle

Alice Morse Earle was an American historian and author during the 19Th century. She was born in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1851. Her writing was very important in understand the social aspect of life during this time period. She mainly focused on Colonial America, mainly in New England. Morse Earle began writing due to the wishes of her father. Her focus on social life and cultural aspects made her a pioneer for writers of social history. Morse Earle followed the beliefs of Darwinism and the idea of “survival of the fittest”. She documented many examples of domesticity in the colonies and during this time period and many of her perspectives can be seen in her writing. Some things Morse Earle believed in include temperance, the abstinence of alcohol. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution but did not partake in any movements that were too radical or involved the fight for women’s suffrage. Her focus on family life and domesticity did not earn Alice Morse Earle the respect she deserved, and even today her work is isn't taken very seriously by other historians. Near the end of her life, Morse Earle grew ill after falling in the ocean due to a boat crash. Alice Morse Earle died in 1911. Her most famous works include; Colonial Dames and Good Wives, Child Life in Colonial Days, and Customs and Fashions in Old New England.

Citation:
Lewis, Jone Johnson. "Alice Morse Earle." about.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Feb.
2010. alicemorseearle.htm>.

Scientific Sexism

Scientific Sexism was a new study created to have scientific evidence and support for proving women inferior to men. They were seen as physically smaller and therefore had less stamina. This was due to the fact that they fainted more, which was most likely because of the tight-lacing used in their clothing. They were also proved inferior because they were physically incapacitated monthly due to menstruation. It was also said that a women’s nervous system was weaker and more prone to fatigue due to the reproduction system. Women were also seen intellectually inferior. Ability of the brain was measured in a brain to body ratio. Men said women had smaller brains and were therefore unable to keep up intellectually with men. This was taken back when it was proven that the brain to body ration of women is in fact higher than that of men. Women were expected to channel all of their energies into reproduction. Most of the accusations proved nothing and were vague evidence for the sexism that spread throughout the 19Th century.

Citation
Lavender. "The Cult of Domesticity and True Womanhood."
www.library.csi.cuny.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2010.
truewoman.html>.