The Freedom Machine:
The Bicycle as an Innovation in Gender Equality
by Amanda Postolowski
Postolowski 0
It all started with a bet. “$20,000 … that no living woman could accomplish the
feat” (“New Woman on a Tour”). How could a female, a household mistress, or a
mother, possibly complete such an exploit? What women would be willing to take on
such a dangerous task? Enter Annie Kopchovsky. She alone would risk life and limb
to take part in the world-renowned venture that would change the status of women
forever more…
“I am to go around the earth [by bicycle] in fifteen months, returning with
five thousand dollars and starting only with the clothes on my back”
(Around the World 6).
During the mid 1800s to the early 1900s, the role of women in society changed
dramatically. From the position of housemistress to major contributors in society at
large, women’s status took a radical turn. This innovation not only put these changes
in motion, but helped these oppressed members of society gain the courage and
motivation to speak out against their male counterparts. During this period, an
innovation helped to redefine the age-old stereotype of females across the nation.
What was this “freedom machine” that liberated women? The bicycle changed
individual mobility, empowering women in a way no other innovation in history ever
has. Clearly, the invention of the bicycle changed transportation and recreation: more
importantly the bicycle advanced female equality through innovations in female dress
and empowerment of women, forever changing American society in additional farreaching ways.
No one person can possibly be credited with the invention of the bicycle; it has
been invented and reinvented throughout history taking on different names and
features, from the mobile “hobby horse” in which riders pushed the model along with
their feet, to the giant one wheeled “penny-farthing” vehicle, where riders faced
terrifying heights and humiliating falls just to stay on upright. The bicycle has a long
Postolowski 1
complex history but nothing compares to the changes that English inventor, John
Starley, developed in 1885. Starley added the key elements that made biking safer,
easier, and more comfortable for all riders.
Penny Farthing
(“The Bicycle- A Historical Outline”)
Rover Safety Bicycle
(“The Bicycle- A Historical Outline”)
These features included two standard, same-sized wheels (instead of the pennyfarthing customary giant six foot wheel) and a rubber covering for the tires. Starley
also created the “diamond-shaped, four-sided frame” and changed the power of
pedaling from the front wheel to the rear wheel so the front could be used for steering.
Success in the “safety first bicycle” also came from the chain that linked the back tires
to the pedals, providing riders with a means to power the machine (Haven 166).
Riders appreciated the freedom of mobility this new design brought and through these
simple but significant changes the innovation itself grew to become an icon of the
1880s and 90s, feeding the bicycle craze of the century. From the confines of their
homes, the population emerged, craving the personal transportation biking provided.
Biking clubs were formed, rinks were set up where cyclists could hone their riding
skills, even a corps unit was formed using the bicycle to perform military maneuvers.
Instead of requiring a carriage or automobile, individuals became self-reliant,
providing the means to empower women.
Postolowski 2
I think it [the bicycle] has done a great deal to emancipate women…It gives her
a feeling of freedom, self-reliance and independence. The moment she takes her
seat she knows she can’t get into harm while she is on her bicycle, and away she
goes, the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood…. (Susan B. Anthony)
A stereotype of the mid 1800s and
early 1900s portrayed women as delicate,
fragile creatures confined to their household
duties and little else. Society considered
women weak and in need of male assistance
or a female chaperone whenever they went
out in public. It was viewed as improper for
a woman to emerge outside the home alone.
The confining steel corsets and voluminous
long skirts caused constant health issues and
("The Bicycle Suit")
restricted women’s mobility. The skirts were
so long they dragged along the garbage-strewn streets gathering mud and other
sewage (Kennedy 333). Corsets, which confined women’s core body, caused
faintings, abdominal problems, broken ribs, and also significantly restricted vital
organs, resulting in other health issues and concerns (Commire 88). Reformers
sought a dress style that would be comfortable as well as solve the recurring health
problems that women faced.
“We may look more graceful in the dangling skirt, but we feel more graceful
in the short one,” Amelia Bloomer (“The New Costume”6). Women were looking to
find a form of dress that combined comfort and practicality. Elizabeth Smith found
the answer in 1850 on a trip to Switzerland where she observed women wearing an
imitation of clothing traditionally worn by Turkish women. The outfit consisted of a
tunic and a pair of ankle length baggy trousers. Amelia Bloomer adopted the new
Postolowski 3
style recommending it in an article published in her paper The Lily (Cheng 651).
Bloomer argued against the ridicule she received stating “you show that the long
flowing garments … worn by dignitaries… are being laid aside, and that now Dukes,
Priests, and Emperors prefer wearing the simple citizen’s dress, except on
extraordinary occasions” (“The New Costume”6). She went on to say no man would
understand the inconvenience that long dresses and petticoats enforced, and further
asserts that shortening the dress and wearing trousers underneath is practical and
anything but vulgar (Bloomer). Susan B. Anthony, when asked about the issue of the
Dress Reformation, responded saying, “[T]he stand she [a woman] is taking in the
matter of dress is no small indication that she realizes that she has an equal right with
a man to control her own movements” (qtd. in
Around the World 31). However, bloomers
would never gain public approval and the
Feminist movement proceeded facing
opposition from both sexes.
Men, fearful of women making
decisions in society, vehemently spoke out
against female movements. When Cambridge
University voted upon a proposal to confer
degrees upon women, The New York Times
reported rejection of the proposal with the
vote standing at 1,713 against 662 in favor.
“An effigy of a lady in bloomers on a bicycle
was suspended opposite the Senate House”
[emphasis added] (“No Degrees for Women”
Postolowski 4
This cartoon shows the public’s disdain for
women in bloomers. It comments on the bloomers
as clothes in comparison to those of Ottoman
Turkish women. The women are extremely ugly;
one smokes a cigar characterizing her as manly.
("Halloo! Turks in Gotham.").
7). Men recognized the female cyclists in society as individuals pushing for feminism
and women’s rights. These women had the audacity and courage to stand up against
the male-dominated society and fight for equal rights.
“Proper” female Victorian idealists stated that a woman’s body should be
covered completely from head to toe; seeing a woman’s skin could stimulate vulgar
thinking in men. Since bloomers were not of the proper length, they were viewed as
unladylike and scandalous (Commire 88). As noted by Dr. Anna Shaw, president of
the National Woman Suffrage Association, “You can’t carry on more than one
reformation at a time” (“No Trouser Skirts for Them”). Even Amelia Bloomer herself
stopped wearing the garment for fear that people were concentrating too much on
what the suffragists wore as opposed to the issues the feminist presented (Commire
60). However, the innovation of the bicycle and its immense popularity continued to
push the issue of dress reform due to the impractical reality of riding in skirts. When
the bicycle came into the forefront, justifying Amelia Bloomer’s cause, women found
the bi-fractured garments necessary to ride comfortably. Yet women’s apparel
changes were only the beginning, as the bicycle initiated additional reforms for
women beyond what Amelia Bloomer had ever anticipated (“Power of the Bicycle”).
“Annie Londonderry… is touring the world on a bicycle and is earning $5,000
without borrowing or begging within fifteen months, as the terms of a $10,000 wager
with Stock Exchange man of Boston,” (“Annie Londonderry’s Long Ride” 11). On
June 25, 1894, Annie Kopchovsky set out to accomplish what others deemed
impossible and what no other woman had dared attempt. To settle the wager between
two wealthy businessmen, Annie Kopchovsky would bike around the world, proving
that not only could a woman withstand the physical stress of such a journey, but also
had the fortitude to earn their own money on the road. It was a test of both mental
Postolowski 5
and physical resilience to show that a woman could do what even most men would
never dare to try (Around the World 7).
About nine months ago two wealthy Boston clubmen were discussing the “new
woman.” One of them said there was one thing that was still beyond her and
was to ride around the world on a bicycle. The other differed with him, and the
result was a wager of $20,000 to $10,000 that no living woman could
accomplish the feat. (“New Woman on a Tour”)*
The conditions under which Mrs. Kopchovsky were to abide, stated she was to start
the journey in her home city of Boston, report into designated locations worldwide,
procure the signatures of American consuls in the foreign areas, and complete the trip
in fifteen months. Additionally, she had to
earn $5,000 while on the trip. The wager
specified that the more difficult stretches
of the journey would be made by steamer
(“New Woman on a Tour”). The first step
towards Annie winning the wager came
from the New Hampshire’s Londonderry
Lithia Spring Water Company, who gave
Annie $100 to carry an advertising placard
on her rear wheel and for her to use the
surname Londonderry throughout her
journey. Not only was Londonderry more
Formal photograph of Annie Kopchovsky.
Signing autographs and pictures of herself
were just a couple of the ways Annie
managed to make money on her trip
(“Chicago Photo”).
memorable than Kopchovsky, but it also
would not draw attention to the fact that Annie was Jewish, which could make her
journey safer (Around the World 7). During the time period there was a significant
rise in Anti-Sematic feelings in certain parts of the world.
* “New women” were the feminists who went beyond the normal means of working
Postolowski 6 at home and with the family.
With her inexperience in riding a bicycle and a mother of three, Londonderry
was an unlikely candidate for the wager. Annie had to leave her family and home to
embark on this world adventure, defying all stereotypes of women as homemakers
and the center of family life (“Chasing Annie” 66). Although her husband claimed to
support her venture, he was not present at the departure ceremony (Around the World
7).
Starting out in the traditional women’s wear of a blouse and long skirt, Annie
Londonderry transitioned to bloomers once she reached Chicago, and went so far as
to don a man’s riding suit for the remainder of her journey. As quoted by the Omaha
World Herald August 1895, Annie had a very set view of dress reform, “She believes
that in the near future all women, whether of high or low degree will bestride the
wheel, except possibly the narrow-minded, long-skirted, lean and lank element” (qtd.
in Around the World 29).
Annie Kopchovsky on June 25, 1894 the day
she began her trip. Notice the Londonderry
placard on the rear wheel of her bicycle and
her long voluminous skirts (“Tablet: A New
Read on Jewish Life”).
Postolowski 7
Annie Londonderry as depicted in a cycling
periodical, in October 1894. She quickly
realized the difficulty of riding in skirts and
transitioned to bloomers ("Miss
Londonderry”).
Annie Londonderry influenced more than just Americans back home involved
in wagers*; the entire world watched as her journey finally got underway. In France,
she was greeted with headlines reading “Le Tour De Monde” and “Le Voyage de
Miss Londonderry” usually depicting the globetrotter in a positive light (qtd. in
Around the World 54, 59). Londonderry’s passion for storytelling and larger-than-life
adventures were captured through interviews Annie gave and the stories printed about
her. She made up countless tales about her whereabouts and past life, never telling
anyone the complete truth. According to Peter Zheutlin, great-grandnephew of
Londonderry and family historian, “she knew exactly what she was doing and appears
to have enjoyed the game, almost daring reporters to find out who she really was”
(Around the World 59).
As Annie Londonderry’s journey continued the articles depicting the
globetrotter differed dramatically from papers applauding and praising her
accomplishment to journalists questioning her entire journey and purpose. The
Pittsburgh Chronicle-Telegraph went as far as to report the following:
Miss Annie Londonderry as an attraction is hardly a success. It certainly is
bringing down the level of legitimate touring when one sees a woman working
her way around the world and so far degrading herself as to be put on exhibit, so
to speak…(qtd. in Around the World 76-77).
The negative press did not seem to faze Annie; she enjoyed any time she had in the
public eye, whether good or bad (Around the World 77).
Using her resourcefulness, Londonderry thought of different ways to make
money on the road - giving lectures about her experiences and selling autographed
pictures wherever she went. When lecturing in Paris she recounted, “Not one in a
hundred could understand. Every few minutes I would shout ‘Viva la France!’ Then
how they did cheer! It was positively inspiring. I found out what they liked and gave
Postolowski 8
* The two businessmen were not the only people who began wagers on the trip’s
outcome, as Annie’s trip became public, more people began to bet upon her
success (Around the World).
them plenty of it.” Crowds marveled at her tales and she drew audiences and
headlines wherever she went (Around the World 60).
On March 9, 1895, Annie boarded the steamship “Belgic” and returned back
to the United States, landing in California on March 23, 1895 (Around the World 8384). She made it back to her home country at last. “Miss Annie Londonderry...
arrived here [Los Angeles] yesterday morning... She will remain here for several
days before proceeding south, and will deliver a stereopticon lecture on the CainoJapanese war during her stay” (“A Globe Wheeler” 10).
On September 24, 1895, Annie entered Boston winning the bet, clocking in
over 9,604 miles on her bicycles*, proving a woman could do anything a man can do
and more (Around the World 86, 132). After collecting the $10,000 reward Annie and
her family moved to New York City where she became a journalist writing for the
New York World. In her recount of her journey Londonderry wrote, “ I am a
journalist and a ‘new woman,’ if that term means that I believe I can do anything that
any man can do” (“Chasing Annie” 69).
Map of the World, showing the route traveled by Annie Londonderry (“Annie is Back”).
Postolowski 9
* In Chicago, Annie exchanged her heavy Columbia bicycle for a Sterling 20-pound
diamond men’s model helping to speed up her journey (Around the World 39-40).
Annie Londonderry’s trip around the world did much more than settle a bet
between two wealthy businessmen, her venture opened doorways for women
worldwide. Advancing everything from reformation in women’s dress and apparel to
equality and women’s suffrage, Annie Londonderry pushed the boundaries of what
women are capable. She proved women could do and be much more than society’s
stereotypes depicted of them. In the words of Fairfax Downey, a journalist from the
time, “On that simple machine she rode like a winged victory, women’s rights
perched on the handlebars, and cramping modes and manners strewn on her track”
(qtd, in Around the World 69).
Londonderry may have given women the freedom to pursue their dreams
through the innovation of the bicycle but to this day some societies continue to
oppress women by restricting their freedom to ride a bike. In North Korea “women
under the age of 49 have been prohibited from engaging in trading, and the regime
has gone so far as to ban them from wearing pants or riding bicycles to make it more
difficult for them to engage in marketing activities” (Washington [AFP]). In order to
sell their wares, women must be able to transport their materials to the market and
without bicycles it makes it nearly impossible to do so (Washington [AFP]).
The innovation of the bicycle influenced many changes in society from a
method of transportation to a source of recreation and a means of exercise. However,
it was the bicycle’s impact on the feminist movement that most significantly changed
the status of women in society. The bicycle empowered women to challenge their
stereotypical role as wife and homemaker and to embrace the ideals of Annie
Londonderry, who circled the globe to prove a woman’s worth. Wind rushes by,
streets pass in a blur, pedals spin rhythmically beneath, the ability to ride anywhere
across the road around the world –this is the feeling of freedom.
Postolowski 10
Annotated Bibliography: Primary Sources
"Annie is Back." The Bearings 11 May 1895. Annie Londonderry. Peter Zheutlin.
Web. 18 Oct. 2009.
<http://www.annielondonderry.com/gallery/AnnieIsBack.html>.
This article discusses Annie “Londonderry” Cohen Kopchovsky and her trip around
the world. There are multiple quotes from Annie herself. Once when asked about an
accident she had gotten into the feminist replied, “Here I am, and what is more, I
intend to complete the journey.” The author of the article was not specified, but the
bias seems to lean towards the feminist side and for Annie and her cause. This is one
of the only pieces that had quotations from Annie.
"Annie Londonderry's Long Ride." Chicago Daily Tribune 25 Sept. 1894: 11.
ProQuest. Web. 20 Nov. 2009. <http://proquest.umi.com>.
This source helped to clarify some of the detail regarding the stipulations of the wager
that had been made. It explained that the two men were in fact involved in the Stock
Exchange, which explained why every other article noted them as being so wealthy. I
used this article to clarify the bet situation.
Anthony, Susan B. "A Feeling of Freedom." People Who Made History - Susan B.
Anthony (hardcover edition) (People Who Made History). New York:
Greenhaven: Stalcup, Brenda, 2001. Print.
This speech by Susan B. Anthony is called A Feeling of Freedom. She talks about
how the bicycle was an innovation and how important it has been for the feminist
movement. The freedom and independence women feel when riding a bike is
essential to the feminist movement. She also discusses the bicycle’s importance to
the dress reform. This source helped me to understand that even some of the most
important female suffragists commended the bicycle for helping with reform. The
source is in the biography of Susan B. Anthony and is credible. I used this source in
helping to support my analysis of the feminist movement.
"The Bicycle Suit." Cartoon. The Victorian Web. George P. Landow. Published. 12
January 1895.Web. 23 Feb. 2010.
<http://www.victorianweb.org/periodicals/punch/15.html>.
This cartoon depicts two young women, Gertrude and Jessie, conversing over the
topic of the new Bicycle suit or bloomers. This cartoon helps to display the obvious
differences in the new and old dress. One is wearing the innovation whereas the other
is in a corset and the long skirt.
Bloomer, Amelia. "The New Costume." The New York Daily Tribune 25 June 1851,
(1842- 1866) ed.: 6. ProQuest. Web. 12 Nov. 2009. <http://proquest.umi.com>.
In this article Amelia Bloomer is responding to a previous article “Considerations
Concerning Clothes.” Amelia Bloomer argues that the dress reform is for the better,
Postolowski 11
that even male priests and dignitaries lay aside their robes and wear the attire of the
common man for comfort and mobility. She states that no man would understand the
inconvenience that the long dresses and petticoats enforce. Mrs. Bloomer implores
that shortening the dress and wearing trousers under is practical and anything but
vulgar. “We may look more graceful in the dangling skirt, but we feel more graceful
in the short one.” This source helped me to realize the accusations that were being
thrown at the suffragists and the ridicule that they were constantly facing. This source
is very credible written Amelia Bloomer and published in a credible newspaper, The
New York Daily Tribune The bias in this article is in favor for the dress reformation. I
used this source is helping to explain the pressure the feminist faced and the changes
in the dress. Will be cited as (“The New Costume”) in piece.
"A Globe Wheeler." Los Angeles Times 19 May 1895: 10. ProQuest. Web. 20 Nov.
2009. <http://proquest.umi.com>.
This source helped me understand how Annie Londonderry was making her money
throughout the journey. It mentioned a lecture she was going to give and I realized
that she was presenting her trip with the public and giving presentations about the
places she had visited and her experiences. This article helped to portray how famous
she had become.
"Halloo! Turks in Gotham." Cartoon. American Social History Online. Web. 18 Oct.
2009. <www.dlfaquifer.org>. Date Issued, 1851.
This cartoon shows the public’s disdain for women in bloomers. The caption
“Halloo! Turks in Gotham,” comments on the bloomers as clothes from that of
Ottoman Turkish women or what the artist characterizes the Turkish women dress
like. The women are also extremely ugly; one is actually smoking a cigar trying to
make her seem even manlier. This source helped me to understand the other side of
the feminist argument. I do not know the illustrator of the cartoon, but I suppose they
were against the feminist movement. There is definitely bias in this cartoon, for it
depicts the women feminist in an exaggerated and unnatural way.
"Miss Londonderry." Cartoon. Annie Londonderry. Peter Zheutlin, 2006. Web. 7 Feb.
2010. <http://www.annielondonderry.com/gallery/Sterling-bike.html>.
This cartoon from the time period provided the means of the picture of Annie
Londonderry with bloomers on her bicycle. The picture is important for is shows the
contrast in what she was wearing before and after. She has not quite gone all the way
to a man’s riding suit yet, but she has come to wear the bloomer outfit. I used to
picture to depict the contrast of the different outfits.
"Miss Londonderry Coming Back." New York Times 19 Sept. 1895: 6. Proquest.
Web. 14 Jan. 2010. <http://www.proquest.com>.
This little blurb of an article quickly mentioned the stipulations of the wager that was
made in Annie Londonderry’s name and the fact the had returned to the states after
going around the world. It also reported that she had fell and broke her arm in
Chicago.
Postolowski 12
"Miss Londonderry's Trip Ended." New York Times 24 Sept. 1895. New York Times.
Web. 18 Oct. 2009. <www.nytimes.com>.
This newspaper clipping celebrates the return of the female cyclist Annie
“Londonderry” Cohen Kopchovsky. The article briefly explains Annie’s experiences
on her journey around the world. This source helps me to understand the outcome of
Annie’s adventure. This source is very credible; it came from New York Times
website. There is not bias in this article, it is not an editorial and therefore does not
show a particular side or view. I used this article to help trace another newspaper
article about Annie during the same time period.
"New Woman on a Tour." Chicago Daily Tribune 13 Apr. 1895: 16. Proquest. Web.
14 Jan. 2010. <http://www.proquest.com>.
This newspaper article discusses the beginning of Annie Londonderry’s journey
around the world and how exactly it began.
About nine months ago two wealthy Boston clubmen were discussing the “new
woman.” One of them said there was one thing that was still beyond her and
was to ride around the world on a bicycle. The other differed with him, and the
result was a wager of $20,000 to $10,000 that no living woman could
accomplish the feat.
It goes on to describe the conditions of how she was to complete the journey in fifteen
months, check up in designated locations world wide, and make the five thousand
dollars while on the trip. They agreed that the more difficult part of the journey
would be made by steamer.
“NO DEGREES FOR WOMEN: Cambridge Rejects the Proposal to Confer Them,
1,713 to 662.. " New York Times (1857-1922) 22 May 1897 ProQuest
Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2006), ProQuest. Web. 13
Jan. 2010.
This newspaper article discusses the opposition of women shown from the male
population, describing the female rejection from the College of Cambridge May 21,
1897. The vote was 1,713 against 662. “An effigy of a lady in bloomers on a bicycle
was suspended opposite the Senate House” (No Degrees for Women 7). It is evident
from this article the opposition women faced and the article goes further to mention
the undergraduates who behaved in a threatening manner towards the supporters of
the women integration.
"No Trouser Skirts for Them." New York Tribune 5 Mar. 1911: C4. ProQuest. Web.
20 Nov. 2009. <http://proquest.umi.com>.
This article proved to be an extremely controversial point to my topic. It is dated later
than the bloomer reformation, examining the post thoughts to bloomer or
“trouserettes”. ‘“Anybody who connects Miss Anthony with the bloomer movement
is much mistaken. ‘You can’t carry on more than one reform at a time,’ she used to
tell us,” as quoted by Dr. Anna Shaw, president of the National Woman Suffrage
Association. Through her quote it is evident that at this point in history, woman are
more concerned with their rights and equality to men. They do not want to trifle with
the matter of dress reformation, the right of suffrage is clearly more important to them
Postolowski 13
than the latest fashions. This article quotes multiple different suffragists and their
reasons why they do not want to concern themselves with the dress reform. When
talking of a hearing in Albany Ms. Inez Milhoiland is quoted saying “Those men
[from the hearing] cared about what the women said- not what they wore.” This
article also gave the opposing sides view of the bicycle and reformation. Even
women who were against suffrage still respected the bicycle and the dress reformation
it brought about. Ms. Gilbert Jones, founder of the National League for Civic
Education of Woman, a society bent against the right for women suffrage is quoted
saying, “I remember when bicycles were so popular. I did admire the bifurcated
garments designed for women who rode I said to Worth- I was in Paris at the time- ‘I
should think all women would admire these bicycle trousers and want to wear them.’”
Washington (AFP). North Korea targets women in clampdown: UN investigator.
Yahoo! News. 26 Oct. 2009. Web. 15 Nov. 2009. <news.yahoo.com>.
This source shows the modern day oppression of women and the impact the bicycle
has on their lives. In North Korea “women under the age of 49 have been prohibited
from engaging in trading, and the regime has gone so far as to ban them from wearing
pants or riding bicycles to make it more difficult for them to engage in marketing
activities.” In order to sell their wares, women must be able to transport their
materials to the market and without bicycles it makes it near impossible to do so.
This source helped me realize the importance of bicycles for women even in today’s
society. The article comes from the AFP and the wired news service. I used this
source in helping to explain the importance of the bicycle as an innovation today.
1894. Photograph. Chicago. Annie Londonderry. Peter Zheutlin. Web. 23 Feb. 2010.
<http://www.annielondonderry.com/learn.html>.
This is a formal photograph of Annie Londonderry. She used pictures like these to
sign and sell for money during her journey. This picture helps to represent the
resourcefulness of Miss Londonderry and her ability to make money even on the road.
Will be cited as (“Chicago Photo”).
1894. Photograph. Boston, Massachusettes. Tablet: A New Read on Jewish Life. By
Marissa Brostoff. 4 Mar. 2008. Web. 23 Feb. 2010.
<http://www.tabletmag.com/life-and-religion/973/breaking-away/>.
This is a photograph of Annie Kopchovsky before her journey. It is interesting to see
her in the long skirts and her bicycle. The picture also shows the Londonderry
placard on the back tire. This picture helps to depict the stark contrast to that of the
other cartoon with Miss Londonderry in bloomers. Will be cited as (“Tablet: A New
Read on Jewish Life”).
Postolowski 14
Annotated Bibliography: Secondary Sources
"Backstory: Chasing Annie Londonderry /." The Christian Science Monitor CSMonitor.com. Web. 07 Feb. 2010.
<http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0828/p20s01-algn.html/%28page%29/2>.
This source showed helped to portray more details on Annie Londonderry’s journey
to help further my knowledge and understanding of the cities and countries she
visited. The source also provided details on the Steam boats she took when crossing
water masses.
Cheng, Eileen K., ed. "Bloomer, Amelia Jenks." Encyclopedia of Women in America
History. Vol. 2. 652. Print.
This article discusses the female suffragist Amelia Bloomer and the beginning and
impact her creation of the bloomers had on society. Women were looking to find a
form of dress that would combine comfort and practicality. The solution was found
by Elizabeth Smith in 1850 on a trip to Switzerland where she observed women
wearing an imitation of clothing traditionally worn by Turkish women. Mainly the
outfit consisted of a tunic and a pair of ankle length baggy trousers. Amelia Bloomer
adopted the new style commending them in an article published in her paper The Lily.
This source is credible coming from Encyclopedia of Women in America History.
This source helped me to understand where bloomers originated from and their
impact.
Commire, Anne, and Deborah Klezmer, eds. "Bloomer, Amelia Jenks." Women in
World History a Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 2. Print.
These two articles, Amelia Bloomer and Dress Reformation, discuss the female
suffragist Amelia Bloomer and her promotion of the dress reform. They give Amelia
Bloomer’s background and her first involvement with the reform, beginning with her
newspaper The Lily. The dress reform moved to change women’s clothing from the
nine pounds worth of petticoat and corsets that caused broken ribs, and abdominal
problems to a more practical attire. This source helped me to understand the issues
with the current fashion and the reason for the reform. This source is credible from
the Women in World History a Biographical Encyclopedia. I used this source to
present an argument against for the reformation and the feminist movement.
Fischer, Gayle V. "Pantaloons and Power: Nineteenth-Century Dress Reform in the
United States." Questia Media America, Inc. Kent State University Press. Web.
18 Oct. 2009. <http://www.questiaschool.com>.
This article discusses the changes in clothing and the transition to bloomers. This
source explains what different feminists were doing in relation to the dress reform and
how the bicycle was used to empower women by promoting exercise. The writer
Gayle Fischer clearly is for the feminist movement. This source helps to identify
some of the key women in the feminist movement, like Amelia Bloomer and Susan B.
Anthony.
Postolowski 15
Haven, Kendall F. 100 greatest science inventions of all time. Westport, Conn:
Libraries Unlimited, 2005. Questia Media America, Inc. Web. 24 Nov. 2009.
<http://www.questiaschool.com>.
This piece describes how the bicycle was not invented by one person rather by
multiple people across the ages. The earliest predecessor to the modern day bicycle
was invented by Karl Drais in 1817 known as the velocipede or the dandy horse. This
form of the bicycle did not have pedals and was actually considered more of a running
machine. (Haven165) John Starley in 1885 contributed the final pieces to bicycle that
would make it so popular. Two same sized wheels instead of the penny farthing big
wheel and smaller wheel. The covering of the wheels with rubber tires. The
“diamond-shaped, four sided frame” that is used to this day. Moving the power from
pedaling from the front wheel to the rear wheel so the front could be used for steering.
The invention of the bicycle chain to connect the pedals and the wheels. (Haven 166)
Kennedy, David M., Lizabeth Cohen, and Thomas A. Bailey. The American Pageant
A History of the Republic Advanced Placement Edition. Boston: Houghton
Mifflin Company, 2006. Print. Page 333.
The textbook contains a section explaining the dress reform and the inconvenience of
the current dress and the freedom the new dress provided. It explains the corset and its
constriction of vital organs along with the voluminous skirts so long they dragged
along the garbage strewn streets restricting women’s mobility and endangering her
health. This source helped me understand the background to the dress reformation
and the reasons leading up the reform. The piece is from a history textbook proving
to be credible. I used this source in explaining the background the dress reformation
and the reasoning behind bloomers.
Ordinary and Rover Safety Bicycle. Picture. The Bicycle- A Historical Outline. Web.
<http://www.phys.uri.edu/~tony/bicycle/bikehist.html>.
This source provided a brief history of the bicycle along with pictures. I used two the
pictures to help illustrate the drastic, but necessary changes in the bicycle as an
innovation. Will be cited as (“The Bicycle- A Historical Outline”).
"Power of the Bicycle." Chicago Daily Tribune 29 May 1899, Who's Who and What's
What sec. ProQuest. Web. 30 Oct. 2009. <http://proquest.umi.com>.
This is a newspaper article commemorating Amelia Bloomer and her creation of
bloomers. Since this article was written after bloomers were invented and in
commemoration of Amelia Bloomer the source is secondary. This source helped me
understand Amelia Bloomer and the failure she experienced when she first created
bloomers. Women would wear them once then eventually go back to their skirts.
Amelia Bloomer persisted facing constant ridicule but ultimately even, she gave up.
Then the bicycle was invented and it helped Amelia Bloomers cause and brought
about further reform than she had anticipated in the first place. This is a credible
source from the Chicago Daily Tribune and it leans towards the feminist movement.
The article helped me realize just how much the bicycle impacted feminism, even
Postolowski 16
Amelia Bloomer had given up her cause, but the bicycle provided and new push for
feminism.
Zheutlin, Peter. Around the World on Two Wheels Annie Londonderry's
Extraordinary Ride. New York: Citadel, 2007. Print.
This book relates the full account of Annie Londonderry’s journey around the world
including influence as a feminist. This source helps me to understand the reason
Annie Londonderry took such a risk and what a unique and important women she was
during this time period. A time where most women stayed home to care for their
family, she left hers to journey around the world. The source explains the background
of her journey and the conditions under which she was to abide. “I am to go around
the earth in fifteen months, returning with five thousand dollars, and starting only
with the clothes on my back” (page 6). This source is from Peter Zheutlin, the great
grand nephew of Annie Londonderry a journalist for the New York Times and many
other credible papers. This source stipulates the conditions under which Annie
Londonderry was to ride around the world and her actual journey as the first women
cyclist around the world. Will be cited as (Around the World).
Zheutlin, Peter. "Chasing Annie." Annie Londonderry. Web. 8 Feb. 2010.
<www.annielondonderry.com/images/BI05ANNIE.pdf>.
This magazine article helped to sum up Annie’s entire journey in a couple of pages
providing the means to look at her trip as a whole and the brief, but most significant
parts of the tour. I used this article to glean further knowledge on the author who
plays such a significant role in tracking down Annie Londonderry. Will be cited as
(“Chasing Annie”).
Postolowski 17