Polish Immigrants and American Reform

Book excerpt: Between the American Revolution and the Civil War, two of the most persistent themes in American history were immigration and the growth of reform movements, among them women's rights and the antislavery crusade. The front ranks of these movements were swollen with recent arrivals. Eight individuals of Polish ancestry made noteworthy contributions to the betterment of women's status in the U.S. and to the eradication of human bondage. This collection of biographical articles provides their personal background information, explanation of their contributions, commentary by their contemporaries and historical interpretation of their significance.