"Nuns, Wives, and Mothers: Women and the Reformation in Germany"

Nuns, Wives, and Mothers: Women and the Reformation in Germany Before the Protestant Reformation there were major restrictions to the social and political status of women. However, the Reformation caused a large change. Women were actually allowed to read the bible (before it had been banned by Henry VII in England) and even study it. They began preaching, it was especially, however, encouraged by the Catholic Church. They felt that women preaching in the home …

…the wives would have to care for the whole household. Women's lives, I believe were greatly improved after the Reformation. They had more freedom, yet they were to still be under the control of their husband (married women). Working women could master their own trade, they could be bakers, if they wanted, yet they didn't have to marry a baker. Note: Written at the beginning of the AP European History course as a practice essay.