During the Mexican Revolution women played an important role in structuring their society and elevating their status. In both Latin America and the United States, women's roles within society changed dramatically from the 1850s through the 1920s. Women in both countries fought for the same rights and privileges afforded to men. During this period both countries were facing chaotic political and social transformations. Although some women's movements were more progressive than others, most women in this period were not focused on achieving absolute equality with men. They strove to improve their standard of living, receive a higher level of education, participate in society, and, in some cases, rise to the political level of the men around them. Despite the excessive amount of social and political upheaval within Latin America, women in Mexico have been more successful in achieving their goals than women in the United States of America. It is important to know what was happening in both Mexico and the United States during, and leading up to, this time, as well as how they interacted with each other. It is impossible to understand the struggles of women of this period without taking into consideration the context of what each nation was going through independently of each other and then making an informed comparison. During the 1850s the United States was expanding its borders into Mexican territory. The United States, as far as the government was concerned, cared little about the well-being of the Mexican people and considered them an inferior race. While both countries viewed women as weak, incapable and tried to keep them in their rightful place under patriarchy. This thought process was prevalent in the U...middle of paper...their government, even though they had no power to do anything to change it. Reading and comparing women's letters during this period, Mexican women seem to have a higher view of their role and are less likely to rely on and abundantly ingratiate themselves with the men around them. Educational opportunities are extremely significant in the evolution of women's roles. in society. In the 1950s, upper-class women had access to higher levels of education; however, educational opportunities for middle-class women were limited and virtually nonexistent for those in the lower classes. These opportunities, viewed by members of the upper classes of society as an adornment to a woman's beauty, became another method of objectifying women. Despite this, her views reflect the changing expectations of women. In her publication Advice to Young Ladies, Madame Bachellery states “