What do arrests of prominent women tell about independent women's politics?

Correct answer: State and revolutionary power increased control over it

The arrests of prominent women show that independent women’s political activity faced limits and pressure from revolutionary authority. When women organised, spoke publicly, or criticised policies, the state could treat their activity as a threat rather than protect it. Arrests therefore indicate increasing control over autonomous political voices. They do not prove that women had no influence; on the contrary, repression often shows that authorities considered their activity significant enough to restrict. The wider context includes the severe controls of the Reign of Terror.

Option A is correct because it explains the relationship between women’s independent politics and state power. Option B is wrong because arrests are not complete protection. Option C is wrong because arrests did not immediately create a parliament for women. Option D is also wrong: pressure and arrests show impact, not absence of impact. The evidence reveals both activism and its political limits.