At the turn of the Twentieth Century, four women's lives intersect in a society that is transitioning from the predictable and rigid expectations of the Victorian age to the volatile and exciting world of the Progressive Era. Set in the mansions, brownstones, and tenements of New York City, with visits to Alva Vanderbilt's home in Newport, and an eventful trip to Paris, "The New Woman" captures a colorful array of notable people; including progressive journalists, financial titans and even a mysterious scientist. Along the way we meet the women of the Colony Club and the young women of the Garment Union who are striking for better conditions in the factories. Bernadine, a wealthy and naïve woman, meets Flora Dodd who becomes her mentor, and guides her entry into New York Society. Dore, a poor Russian Jewish immigrant, works her way up from the sweat shop to an executive position in advertising. Mae, Flora's daughter, is truly a New Woman. A brilliant prodigy, she is determined to study physics and to one day become an engineer. The course of these women's lives are changed by the men they love, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. But in the end, each woman seeks her independence and works towards realizing their own dream.