Why did women's issues suddenly become so prominent in American culture?

Women issues came forth when they started to be needed in the society. Being excluded from public roles and being numerous, women got involved in religious activities where they were able to receive recognition. After 1800, over 70% of the congregational churches were women, claiming spiritual authority. The religious activism advanced women’s education, as churches established academies where girls received education. Staring with 1820, educated women were able to displace men as schoolteachers, also because they accepted lower payment than the men. As schoolteachers, women gained an acknowledged place in public life. Republicanism also changed the social and family values, bringing forth the principle of equality between men and women.

Henretta, James A. and David Brody. America: A Concise History, Volume I: To 1877. 4th ed., Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin’s, 2010, 252-253.