Member-only story

Women, Crime, and Notoriety in the Early Republic

Allan James

·12.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Dangerous To Know: Women Crime And Notoriety In The Early Republic

4 min read

425 View Claps

43 Respond

Save

Listen

The early republic of the United States was a time of great social and economic change. As the nation grew and expanded, so too did the role of women in society. Women began to take on new roles in the workforce, in education, and in politics. However, this new freedom also brought with it new challenges, including an increase in female crime and notoriety.

In this article, we will explore the history of women, crime, and notoriety in the early republic. We will examine the factors that contributed to the rise in female crime, the types of crimes that women were most likely to commit, and the ways in which society responded to these crimes.

There were a number of factors that contributed to the rise in female crime in the early republic. These factors included:

Dangerous to Know: Women, Crime, and Notoriety in the Early Republic

by Susan Branson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2219 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	200 pages

Economic inequality: Women were often at a severe economic disadvantage compared to men. They were less likely to have access to education and job training, and they were paid less for the same work. This economic inequality made it difficult for women to support themselves and their families, and it often led them to turn to crime as a way of making ends meet.
Social inequality: Women were also at a social disadvantage compared to men. They were not allowed to vote, own property, or hold public office. This lack of power made it difficult for women to protect themselves from abuse and exploitation, and it also made them more likely to be victims of crime.
Changing gender roles: The early republic was a time of great change in gender roles. Women were beginning to take on new roles in the workforce, in education, and in politics. This change in gender roles led to a great deal of social tension, and it contributed to the rise in female crime.

Women were most likely to commit crimes that were considered to be "feminine" in nature. These crimes included:

Prostitution: Prostitution was one of the most common crimes committed by women in the early republic. Women were often forced into prostitution by economic necessity or by violence, and it was a dangerous and degrading way of life.
Petty theft: Women were also likely to commit petty theft, such as stealing food or clothing. This type of crime was often motivated by poverty, and it was often seen as a way for women to survive.
Murder: Women were also known to commit murder, although this was a relatively rare occurrence. Women who committed murder were often motivated by passion or revenge, and they were often punished severely.

Society's response to female crime in the early republic was often harsh and unforgiving. Women who were convicted of crimes were often sentenced to long prison terms or even death. In addition, women who were accused of crimes were often subjected to public shaming and humiliation.

The harsh treatment of female criminals in the early republic was due to a number of factors. One factor was the belief that women were naturally more criminal than men. Another factor was the fear that female crime would lead to the collapse of society.

The history of women, crime, and notoriety in the early republic is a complex and fascinating one. It is a story of inequality, oppression, and violence. However, it is also a story of resilience and survival. The women who committed crimes in the early republic were often victims of circumstance, and they faced tremendous challenges in their lives. Despite these challenges, they persisted, and they left a lasting mark on history.

Dangerous to Know: Women, Crime, and Notoriety in the Early Republic

by Susan Branson

4.5 out of 5