EL Education Curriculum

The role and status of women changed more rapidly in the western world during the 20th century than in any other period of history. In 1900 few women had the right to vote in elections, an most were not in control of their own lives and instead were treated as secondary to their husbands, fathers, and even brothers. Over the course of the 20th century, which saw two world wars and dramatic advances in transportation, technology, and communications, women's roles altered dramatically. By 2000 most women had gained the right to vote, and many had gained a more independent life than women a century earlier would have believed possible. However, there is still much debate about whether all the changes, or the impacts of those changes, are necessarily positive, and there is still a long way to go to win equal rights for all the world's women. Around the globe, women's roles are still changing, making this a very relevant and exciting history topic to research and study.