Margaret Fuller

“Because I am a woman, I must make unusual effforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, “She doesn’t have what it takes.” They will say, “Women don’t have what it takes.” Clara Boothe Luce, a very significant author of the 30’s, describes the harsh judgment that was passed upon woman during this trialing time in American history. A similarly influential author, Margaret Fuller was one of the innovators of the feminist movement in America. Her influence on the social views of 1830’s America spread, from her climb up journalism ladder to her place in the Italian Revolution, is indisputable.
Fuller’s family was obviously a very influential part of her life throughout, and will shape her to be the very impactful individual she grows to be. Her father, Timothy Fuller, was one of the most helpful in this growth. Throughout her childhood, Mr. Fuller taught her Greek and Latin at a very early age, as well as how to read and write at the astounding age of three and a half. In about 1821, her father sent her to Boston Lyceum for Young Ladies, until 1824 where she was moved to a School for Young Ladies in Groton, closer to home. When she did come home, at the age of 16, she stated she felt she did not feel comfortable with other women, Her father was the preeminent role model for Margaret, and as such she had a early advantage, setting her on a fast pace, one that she’d keep for the rest of her life.
As Fuller traveled to Italy on business, she never would have guessed what was waiting around the corner. In 1846, she met Guiseppe Mazzini, who would introduce her to someone who would determine the outcome of the rest of her life, Giovanni Angelo Ossoli. She goes on to marry Ossoli, with whom she has a child. Giovanni also pulls her into a dangerous event, the Italian Revolution. Fuller volunteered at a hospital, until their side of the revolution saw defeat. Shortly following, Fuller and Ossoli decided to move their family to America.
Fuller, Ossoli, and their child