AP World History 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The role of women in the early modern period was significantly characterized by their involvement in informal networks of trade. During this time, particularly from the 15th to the 18th centuries, women participated in various economic activities, including commerce and artisan work. Many women took part in family businesses or worked as vendors in local markets, facilitating trade and exchanging goods, often without formal recognition or documentation. This involvement allowed women to contribute to the household economy and sometimes exert influence within their communities.

The existence of these informal networks also reflects the broader economic changes of the period, such as the rise of capitalism and the expansion of trade routes, where women's roles, though often overlooked, were vital to the sustaining of local and regional economies. This participation challenged the traditional boundaries of women's roles in society, enabling many to carve out spaces of economic agency and participation despite the limitations imposed by a patriarchal system.

In contrast, equal rights in political representation were largely not achieved during this time, as most women faced significant barriers to political involvement. Regarding family leadership, while women played essential roles in sustaining familial units, they were typically not viewed as leaders in the formal sense compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, women's education varied widely and was not prioritized universally, with many societies