Women Who Wheel': How the Bicycle Craze of the 1890s Helped to Expand Women's Freedom

  In the late 19th century women began participating in the bicycle craze which men had enjoyed for two decades. This craze did not last long, but for women it was exciting and liberating. It was mostly affluent society women who defied the naysayers and avidly took to the streets on wheels. By 1889 American newspapers were spreading considerable ink on this latest trend. In January 1889 the New York Tribune reported on a six-day bicycle race in Madison Square Garden for women only. The competition promised

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Readex - 'Women Who Wheel': How the Bicycle Craze of the 1890s Helped to Expand Women's Freedom

TIL that the invention of bicycles was fundamental to the early women's liberation movement. Bicycles promised freedom to women long accustomed to relying on men for transportation. It was also the main

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15 1890 men ideas victorian fashion, historical clothing, 1890s fashion

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