Jean V. Matthews

About the Author

Jean V. Matthews is a distinguished historian and author specializing in the social and cultural transformations of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century America. With a keen eye for the dynamics of gender, politics, and reform, she has illuminated the pivotal role of women in shaping modern society. Her seminal work, The Rise of the New Woman: The Women's Movement in America, 1875-1930 (American Ways), offers a compelling narrative of the suffrage movement, feminist activism, and the broader quest for equality during a transformative era. Drawing on extensive archival research and insightful analysis, Matthews brings to life the voices and struggles of women who challenged societal norms, influencing everything from labor rights to political participation. A professor emerita of history, she continues to inspire scholars and readers with her accessible yet rigorous explorations of American progressivism.