History Prelim (6/12)

Nineteenth Century changes 

Victorian women had few civil or political rights.   A wife had to do as she was told by her husband, who was her protector and adviser.   Until 1884 a wife was officially listed as one of her husband’s possessions.   In addition, Victorian women were expected to live up to an image of ‘the perfect being’ – beautiful, demure, loving and intelligent.   Many women actively agreed with this attitude (Source A).

As the 19^th century progressed, women were given a number of civil rights, including the right to vote in…