John Ruse Larus
Women of America
Woman: In all ages and in all countries Vol. 10 (of 10)
"Woman of America" by John Rouse Larus is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the status and historical roles of women in America, with particular attention to their positions among various Native American tribes and later societies. The text suggests that women have played significant and often overlooked roles in shaping the culture and history of America, challenging the conventional narratives of their subjugation. The opening of the work provides an introduction to the general themes the author intends to explore regarding the aboriginal women of North America. It highlights the difficulty of capturing the diverse experiences across different tribes due to varying customs and cultural practices. Larus asserts that contrary to popular belief, many indigenous women enjoyed a status of respect and influence within their tribes, often surpassing that of their male counterparts. The text sets the stage for a deeper exploration of these themes, promising a detailed analysis of how women's roles evolved with the arrival of European settlers and the resultant societal shifts. The author also indicates that the narrative will extend beyond North America to include the experiences of women in Mexico and South America, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of women's history in the Americas.