A common topic in British women's and family magazines was a look at their sisters across the pond. British women found American women's lives rather different from their own. Sometimes this seemed to them a good thing and an example to be emulated; sometimes, not so much. This section looks at the lifestyles of women in Victorian American.

The Women of the United States (Peterson's Magazine, 1865)

Article from a British journal on the qualities of American women.

Woman's Love of the Beautiful, by Lucy Snow (Demorest, 1874)

How women are making the homes of the western prairies beautiful.

English Ladies at Washington, by Olive Logan (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1878)

In England, thousands of ladies "are debarred by their lack of rank" from ever getting a social glimpse of the Queen - but in Washington, a lady needs no letter of introduction or friend at court to present her to the president!

A Woman Farmer (Demorest, 1879)

American Women, by the M.P. for Rochdale (Girl's Own Paper, 1880)

A short but interesting article looking at American women in education, at work... and in prison!

Business Girls in America, by Catherine Owen (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1882)

A look at living and working conditions for American working girls.

A Word with Countrywomen, by Julia Dorr (Century Magazine, 1884)

On the follies of trying to keep up with city fashions and ways - and ruining one's life and health in the process!

Brother Jonathan's Womankind (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1885)

A bit of the country mouse and the city mouse here: The author looks at an American farm woman and a "New York butterfly," both from the British perspective.

The Woman of the 19th Century (Demorest, 1885)

This article points out (with a lovely two-page illustration) that the empowered, emancipated woman of the 19th century is hardly something new - but rather, a return to her historical destiny!

Women Workers in the United States (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1885)

A female art instructor in the US informs British ladies of the job opportunities available in this country, how to apply, and what to expect when they get here.

Notes from the Prairie, by John Burroughs (Century Magazine, 1886B)

The author's correspondence with "an invalid lady" who provides lovely descriptions of prairie wildlife, flowers, etc. (plus a lively account of her pet squirrel).

American Women, by an Englishwoman (Ingalls' Home Magazine, 1888)

The author finds that American women are far ahead of their British sisters in terms of equality, practical education, and practical knowledge.

The Girls of the United States, by "A Resident" (Girl's Own Paper, 1888)

American girls have "unbridled freedom," says this author; the article also touches on the "servant problem," servant wages, and the difficulties in employing servants of different races.

American Farming for Women (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1890)

Notes on Jonathan's Daughters, by Max O'Rell (The Strand, 1891B)

Max O'Rell was a noted French writer who lived in England and wrote in English; hence, his charming view of American ladies combines both a French and a British perspective.

American Schoolgirl Life, by M.B. Byrde (Girl's Own Paper, 1894)

Memories of life in an American parochial school.

A Group of American Girls, Early in the Century, by Helen Evertson Smith (Century Magazine, 1897A)

Reminiscences of girlhood on the Hudson in the early 19th century.

After-School Education in America, by Dora de Blaquière (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

A look at women's "clubs" in America, and the education curricula these provided. ("After-school" means "after graduation.")

How American Girls Entertain, by Gertrude Bacon (Girl's Own Paper, 1902)

See the Women's Issues section for more information on women's issues and lives in the Victorian era.