1860: Most professions are closed to women, who are expected to marry and have children. Those in the poorer classes must do menial labor, and any money they make is legally their husbands' property.

Today: Women can choose almost any career they desire, including professions such as law and medicine; they can join the armed forces and can expect to see combat; and they are free to enter traditionally male-dominated fields, such as business, construction, and many others.

Today: Women and men have equal educational opportunities.

1860: Women do not have the right to vote.

Today: The Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution, giving women the right to vote, was passed in 1920.

1860: When a woman marries, all her property becomes her husband's, and in her wedding vows, she must promise to obey her husband in all things.