Coverture

Coverture was a law that existed a very long time ago, which said that when a woman got married, she became one with her husband. It was kind of like the woman disappeared and became a part of the man's identity. This meant that she couldn't own anything, like land, money or jewelry, because it all belonged to her husband. If she did have anything before she got married, it would automatically become her husband's property too.

Under coverture, women were also not allowed to make important decisions for themselves, including things like signing contracts, making wills or suing someone in court. This was because the law considered the woman to be under the guidance and protection of her husband who was responsible for making all major decisions for both of them.

This law was really unfair to women, because they lost all their legal rights and freedom once they got married. They were basically seen as property of their husbands, and had to do everything he said. It wasn't until much later, lots of years later, that the law started to change and women were granted more rights and freedoms.