How relevant was Olympe de Gouges' criticism of the fallout of women from the constitution post the revolution?
Olympe de Gouges
She was a social reformist and Prominent French Author
She was the novelist and was the author of the prominent novel "Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen"
She advocated for the rights of women that were excluded from the Declaration of the rights of man and citizen along with the constitution
Her general aim was to unite women to defend their special interests and work together regardless of their social ranking
In 1791, she wrote the provocative Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Citizen, which declared that women and men are equal and thus women should be given the same rights as men
She also believed that women's natural rights were lost in the constitution but it was up to women to retrieve them
Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen
Published in France in 1791
De Gouges's declaration appealed for the rights demanded like complete freedom of speech and the right to vote
Her declaration states some of these basic rights such as women are born free and equal to men.This declaration also mentioned that law should be an expression of will and both female and male should have their say either personally or by their representative
The work consists of a preamble, 17 articles, and an epilogue. The declaration was provocative and incited female to action
She argues for women’s liberation in total and unconditional equality between the two sexes
The Declaration was Influenced by the idea of the Enlightenment "Natural Rights"
De Gouges’ pamphlet the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Citizen was published in the paper, Les Droits de la femme and called for women to gain equal rights to men and protection of their rights as mothers
Her seventeen articles in this declaration assert that women possess all the rights of individuals,just like men
What was the French Constitution of 1791?
The constitution was a product of Enlightenment and the American Revolution
The constitution established a constitutional monarch and incorporated several different ideas from the Enlightenment
The constitution divided the population into two classes active citizens and passive citizens.The Active citizens were the males who have permanent residence, a certain level of income and pay taxes.Voting was not a natural right granted to all rather it was a privilege available to those who own property and paid taxes.
The passive citizens were naturally dependent on active citizens some examples of passive citizens are poor man, women & child
The constitution contains no particular role that women could play in the country
The constitution of 1791 reduces women to passive citizens
The french constitution of 1791 was created by the National assembly after the French revolution
What was the outlook of women after the French Revolution ?
Wanted to be active in political matters
Women demanded the rights to vote,same political rights as men
It was only later in 1848, French women were given some rights such as schooling was made compulsory, professional education was allowed and women could start small businesses, girls could not be forced to marry against their will,marriages were registered,divorce was made legal and women were allowed to apply for them .
Women demanded the right to vote,to be elected to the assembly and to hold the political office
Women were never given full political rights during the French Revolution
She is known as one of the few women in history who “protested against their harsh destiny”
While there were many contradictions in her writings,she never wavered in her belief for the right and freedom of speech and its role in social and political analysis
She spent her life advocating for victims of unjust system
Link between Social Science and English
I will be writing a diary entry from Olympe de Gouges stance who was a historical figure and I will be portraying past events using her emotions and feelings about unjust happening towards the women in society
Olympe de Gouges was a prominent french author and social reformist. She had penned the prominent novel "Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen".She made women understand that their natural rights were lost in the constitution and they would have to fight to retrieve them
In her writing one finds a persistent self confidence and a desire for justice.
I will include factors which influenced her to advocate for the rights of women that were excluded from the Declaration of the rights of man and citizens along with the constitution.
Olympe de Gouges writing shared many themes which have become classic texts in feminist movements like access to political rights,education and elimination of sexual inequality
She encouraged women to wake up and to take action, and demand the equal rights they deserved.She made them realize that they deserve more political rights which they were not receiving
Olympe de Gouges has written "Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen" that had an impact on literature and viewpoints.She made an impact on women’s perspective
Bibliography