Historical Significance

            The historical significance of the novel Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, is based on four major ideas.  The historical significance of this novel is based on the role of women in nineteenth-century America, philosophical and social reforms, education, and the Civil War. The novel Little Women had a lot of historical significance in it.  

• The role of women in nineteenth-century was to be good housewives.  While the men worked, the women ran the household.  Women were responsible for cooking the meals for the day, cleaning the house, ironing, and doing the laundry.  They were also responsible for teaching their daughters how to be good housewives.  The role of women in the novel was portrayed through Marmee having to run the household while her husband was off fighting in the war and having to teach her daughters how to be good housewives.  
• Philosophical and social reforms took place prior to the Civil War.  In the early nineteenth century, women began to join evangelical societies that promoted moral and social reform.  As the issue of slavery increased women became more involved, and by 1850 women made up a majority of abolitionist groups.  These groups led to the women's rights movement.  The women's rights movement would gain momentum in the twentieth century.  
  
• Education was also significant during this time period.  In America during the nineteenth century formal education was limited.  Families who were not satisfied with public schooling could choose to teach their children at home.  Families who could afford it could even hire tutors to teach their children.  This form of teaching is seen in the novel with Laurie, who has a tutor named John Brooke teach him. Punishment/discipline in school was also acceptable during this time period, and it was often harsh and humiliating.  In the novel, Amy's teacher swats her hand and makes her stand in front of the class until recess as a result of being caught with limes at school.  
  

• The Civil War was significant in this novel because the novel took place during the Civil War.  Many men were off fighting in the war, and many men were wounded or killed in the war.  As a result of this, many families struggled to support themselves without the help of a man in the house.  This is relevant for the March family because they have to support themselves while Mr. March is off fighting in the war.  Also, during the war women had to take over larger roles because they had to do the jobs that men usually did since the men weren't there.