Script a conversation between two notable women from the 18th and/or 19th century on the roles women should play in society. 1

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Script a conversation between two notable women from the 18th and/or 19th century on the roles women should play in society.
1. Biographical information for each woman
Betsy Ross was born on 1, January, 1752 in Pennsylvania by Samuel Griscom and Rebecca James. Ross was brought up in a household where the strict discipline and the plain dress of the Friends’ Society ruled her life. Her great-aunt Sarah Elizabeth Ann Griscom taught her how to sew. Andrew Griscom, her great-grandfather who was a Quaker carpenter emigrated in 1680 from England. Just as her sisters, Ross went to Quaker schools where she learnt how to sew, as well as, other crafts that were popular during her time. After she cleared schooling, she was apprenticed to a local upholsterer by her father at the age of 17 where she met an Anglican man, John Ross (Mader, 2007). The two fell in love, but because Ross was a Quaker, and the idea or act of getting married outside one’s religion was firmly off-limits. However, their marriage in 1772 came to the shock of their families. This led to a prompt expulsion of Ross from her family and society of Philadelphia. She was also expelled from the place of worship in Philadelphia, the Friends meeting house. Ultimately, the two opened an upholstery business of their own and this was made possible through the needlework skills of Betsy Ross. The woman is well known for she made the first American flag. She died at the age of 84, on 30 January, 1836 (Frost, 2003).
On the other hand, Susan B. Anthony was born in Adams, Massachusetts on 15 February, 1820. She grew up in a Quaker family, as well with long standing activist traditions. She developed a sense of moral zeal and justice early in her life. After she has taught for 15 years she was active in temperance. However, as she was a woman she was allowed to air out her opinion during rallies. The experience she gained and the relationship with Elizabeth Cady Stanton resulted in her joining the rights movement of women in 1852 and committed her life to the suffrage of women (Rice, 2012). While she ignored abuse and opposition, she traveled, canvassed, and lectured across the country for the vote. In addition, Anthony fought for the elimination of slavery, the women’s labor organizations, and the right for women to retain their earnings and have their own property. For instance, she influenced the admission of women by the University of Rochester. For this woman, she was never married, and was compassionate and aggressive by nature. In addition, she had a great ability to inspire and a keen mind. Until her death on 13, March 1906 she was still active.
2. The historical status for women in general during the time period in which each woman lived.
In the 18th Century, the lives of married women revolved to a large degree around household management, a responsibility that in many instances entailed partnership in running home businesses or farms. Whereas the essential role of a majority of women continued being the management of all households’ aspects doing that had political implications. The dedication of the women was crucial in maintaining the boycott of tea. The decision of boycotting products in Britain resulted in home manufacturing becoming a statement of necessity and defiance. Even for the women whose social standpoint allowed a rise in leisure chose activities such as spinning in order to replace imported products (Burek, Higgs, & Geological Society of London, 2007). War touched everyone when it came as resources were scarce, and this resulted in high inflation. The invasion of troops led to the destruction of homes and farms. In addition, the absence of fathers and husbands left some people in the threat or danger of starvation. A few women were able to continue with homes, shops, and farms management. However, there were others who were not able to survive on their own and they were compelled to leave their homes and follow their men who had joined the army. These were referred to as camp followers. They did this for a variety of reasons. Among the reasons were fear of attack, inability to provide for themselves back at home, eviction by troops, the attraction of rations and a paying job, and the desire to be with their partners.
The women’s expectations during the early 19th century were changing. However, their status in the patriarchal structure or system was still the same. In terms of politics, women were powerless and job opportunities for them were severely limited. Due to their social expectations that linked the dependence of women on men, widows and single women became the most vulnerable (Burek, Higgs, & Geological Society of London, 2007). The women from the middle class were also condemned to comply with daily life patterns that were imposed by their husbands.
3. What opinions each of the women might have on the role the women should play in society during their lifetimes.
The opinions of Betsy Ross on women’s role in society during her time would be that women should be capable of marrying whomever they want regardless of religious backgrounds of the partners. This is the reason why Ross married not by force of religious preference, but for love. On the other hand, the opinions of Susan B. Anthony on the roles that women should play in her time would be standing up for what they believe regardless of whatever the consequences are. She was detained in the year 1872 for she has casted a vote in the presidential election while at that time, women were not allowed to vote. For Anthony, she thought that women should have equal rights to vote just like as men.
4. What each of the women might think about women’s current roles
Both Ross and Anthony would be proud and pleased of the reality that women reached far in since the 18th and 19th Century women of their era. However, both would also agree that they still have a long way to go to attain greater achievements. Both women tolerated similar situations in establishing the place of women in society. During the 18th and 19th Century, women were charged with responsibilities of homemaking and home management (Burek, Higgs, & Geological Society of London, 2007). They were caregivers of children and husbands. They were not seen as working women during that period. It was not until the late 19th century. From that time women have now made it and achieved major developments but still got a long way to go.

References
Burek, C. V., Higgs, B., & Geological Society of London. (2007). The role of women in the history of geology. London: Geological Society.
Frost, H. (2003). Betsy Ross. Mankato, Minn: Pebble Books.
Mader, J. (2007). Betsy Ross. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.
Rice, D. (2012). Susan B. Anthony. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created Materials.