In the turn of the nineteenth century, when immigrants and industrialization were headlines in most American daily papers, fundamental changes on American women roles as well as new opportunities were promoted. Some said that ‘home was no longer the focus of American women’ for more and more women were going to college to get them educated, “pink collars” jobs were more available for women, and suffrage was central to woman suffragists during that time. Liberty, social activity, and economic independence were encouraged by many activists, assuring that these will let women be a happier and fulfilled human being. Implementing historical study, this presentation explains why the issue on womenhood in America during the Progressive Era is worth attention.

Key words: womanhood, working-class housewives, feminism, progressive era.