Women in 1500-1600
Religious leaders were alarmed with the situation of women and marriage. In the late 1500 and early 1600, people practiced immoral act. Women became prostitutes and were indisciplined. Official governments regularly visited the house of prostitution in the cities of Germany (Witte 293). This prostitution led to women being raped, especially by robbers and soldiers. This problem was seen and most recognized by Martin Luther, also the religious leaders, so they made laws about marriage, divorce, and propriety sex. A catholic leader, St. Augustine, discussed and adopted laws about “adultery, polygamy and oppression of women” One source states, “celibacy was barely an acceptable choice” (Westerkamp 294). It proves that women were unlawful, which resulted to filthy cities filled with wrong deeds. When women got married, they subjected themselves to their husbands. Laws gave husbands the full rights controlling the household, especially over his wife (Westerkamp 4). If a woman committed adultery, she was executed- burn on a stake (Westerkamp 5). A wife who killed her husband, were being burned on a stake as well. Even if a husband treated the wife brutally, she had to stay with the husband no matter what (Women in Tudor England).
The periods between 1500 and 1600 influenced how many people act how they are today. People think that such behavior is an acceptable norms. However, the unacceptable act gave a positive impact in the society. Religious leaders made laws for the benefit of many, but then again, many married women were treated harshly because men were given the full power inside the house.
Westerkamp, Marilyn. “The Puritan and Evangelical Traditions.” Women and Religion in Early America, 1600-1850. 4-5. Web. 7 Feb. 2014.
Witte, John. “The Reformation on Marriage Law in Martin Luther’s Germany: Its Significance Then and Now.” Journal of Law and Religion 4.2 (1986): 293-294. Web. 7 Feb. 2014.
World History 