Why traditional feminine clothes were criticised in America by the white settlers and which movements were started? What were its results?

(a) The traditional feminine clothes were criticised on the following grounds:
(i) Long skirts swept the grounds and collected filth and dirt. This caused illness.
(ii) The skirts were voluminous and difficult to handle.
(iii) They hampered movement and prevented women from working and earning.
(iv) It was stated that if clothes were comfortable and convenient, then women could work, earn their living, and become independent.
(b) In the 1870s, the National Women Suffrage Association headed by Mrs. Stanton, and the American Woman Suffrage Association dominated by Lucy Stone started the campaign for rational dress reform.
(c) Results: The reformers could not succeed immediately due to opposition from the conservatives who lamented that women who gave up traditional norms of dressing no longer looked beautiful, and lost their femininity and grace.