Women’s Suffrage Movement
Influential Women
One of the most successful grassroots movements in American history was the women's suffrage movement, which began in 1848 when five women met for tea. By the end of the gathering, they had decided to launch a peaceful revolution for women's equality, a grassroots movement that has since encircled the globe.
In its early years, the movement's main objective was women's suffrage, or the right to vote. At that time, the right to vote was considered key to having women acknowledged as citizens, with the same rights as other citizens. Also, voting would make it possible for women to influence the laws and government policies that affected their lives.
For the next two generations, women activists carried on a relentless campaign, using every conceivable strategy. They handed out leaflets, held huge petition drives, spoke on street corners, lobbied Congress, participated in street parades, and protested outside the White House. After seventy years, the movement finally achieved its goal: In 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote.
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
The Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
After half a century working tirelessly to achieve one primary goal, you might think that those involved in the women's movement would take a break from activism. However, you need only recall that their original goal was to change women's status from second-class citizens to citizens with the same rights as men. The right to vote was only the first step.
Question
Why did the women's movement adopt suffrage as its first major goal?
Explore the influential women who played an important role in the fight for women’s suffrage. These remarkable women came from diverse backgrounds and worked to secure voting rights for women. Click through the slideshow to learn more about their contributions and impact.
Image Attribution: National Portrait Gallery, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Sojourner TruthSojourner Truth was an African American abolitionist and women’s rights activist. Truth was a powerful speaker and advocate for both abolition and women’s suffrage. Her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech spotlighted the connection of racial and gender inequality, pushing for both women’s rights and racial justice. 
Image Attribution: Mary Garrity, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Ida B. WellsIda B. Wells was an African American journalist, educator, and early leader in the civil rights movement. Wells was a strong advocate for women’s suffrage and civil rights. She used her journalism to campaign against lynching and to support voting rights for African American women, contributing significantly to the suffrage movement. 
Image Attribution: Not stated, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Mary McLeod BethuneMary McLeod Bethune was an African American educator and civil rights leader. Bethune was an advocate for the rights of African American women and worked to ensure that the voices of Black women were heard in the suffrage movement. She played a key role in organizing the National Association of Colored Women. 
Image Attribution: Harris & Ewing (photographic firm) Adam Cuerden - Restoration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Alice PaulAlice Paul was an American suffragist. Paul was a key figure in the campaign for the 19th Amendment. She used militant tactics to demand women’s suffrage, significantly raising public awareness and support for the cause. 
Image Attribution: Joint Suffrage Procession Committee(?), restored by Adam Cuerden, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Carrie Chapman CattCarrie Chapman Catt was a women’s suffrage leader and activist. Catt was the president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and advocated for the 19th Amendment. Her organization played an important in achieving the passage of the amendment in 1920. |
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Question?
Which woman was an early advocate for both women’s suffrage and civil rights known for her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech?
