Women in Political and Civic Life

Abstract

The makers of France’s constitution, mindful of female infirmities, had shown themselves reluctant to give women a fair share and a say in the running of the country. The misapplication of a disposition of Frankish Salic law prevented any woman from sitting on the French throne and holding sway as did Elizabeth I of England until her death in 1603 or Christina of Sweden prior to her abdication in 1654. Government offices were closed to practically all members of the sex except queens and a few of their intimates,¹ whose powers were more nominal than real. Courts of justice were tranquilly possessed male provinces. Voting in elections was largely a masculine prerogative too.