Unveiling Women's Struggle

"Women Suffrage"In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed December 3, 2024

"British Suffragettes with Signs, London, 1912." Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed December 5, 2024.

Explore the legacy of women's fight for suffrage

Aiko Mondragon

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"Annie Kenney and Christabel Pankhurst." Simple English Wikipedia. Wikimedia Commons. Accessed December 5, 2024

National Archives. "Flag Bearer for Women's Rights." DocsTeach. Accessed December 5, 2024

Variety. "How Hollywood Reacted to the Women's Suffrage Movement." Accessed December 5, 2024

Thesis

During the 1800s, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucretia Mott were pivotal leaders in the women’s suffrage movement who dedicated their lives to fighting for women's rights and shaping the suffrage movement. They believed women deserve the right to vote and they also felt a political responsibility to future generations to challenge the unjust system. Despite facing strong resistance from men and women who did not agree with their cause, the suffragists’ efforts ultimately laid the foundation to the passage of the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote.

Seneca Falls Convention

The Seneca Falls Convention is recognized as an event that focused on advocating for women's rights. It took place on July 19 and 20 in the year 1848, in Seneca Falls New York State, with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott at the helm of organization.The gathering brought together 300 attendees comprising of both women and men.

During the convention held to discuss womens rights issues in the century, in the United States a group of individuals composed a document known as the Declaration of Sentiments. Inspired by the Declaration of Independence this text listed rights that women should have such as voting rights, property ownership and equal educational opportunities compared to men. The idea of womens suffrage. Giving them the right to vote. Discussions and disagreements sparked at the event.

The assembly marked the beginning of the womens rights movement, in the United States. Inspired advocates like Susan B Anthony and the push, for the 19th Amendment to achieve gender equality milestones.

History.com Editors. "Seneca Falls Convention." History. Accessed December 3, 2024

Susan B. Anthony

Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906) was a leading figure in the women’s suffrage movement in the United States.
She partnered with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, working together to push for women’s right to vote and equal rights.
Anthony co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) in 1869, focusing on securing voting rights for women.
She traveled widely, giving speeches and organizing rallies to spread awareness and build support for the suffrage movement.
In 1872, she was famously arrested for voting illegally in the presidential election, making her a national symbol for the suffrage cause.
Anthony’s tireless work helped lay the groundwork for the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920.

Anthony, "Susan B. Anthony Fights for Women's Suffrage, 1873."

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815–1902) was a leading figure in the early American women's rights movement.
She organized the first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848, where she presented her influential Declaration of Sentiments.
Stanton advocated for women's right to vote, own property, and participate fully in public life, challenging the limited roles assigned to women in her time.
She worked closely with fellow activist Susan B. Anthony, forming a powerful partnership that helped advance the suffrage movement.
Stanton was the first president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), a major organization fighting for women’s voting rights.
Stanton’s writings and speeches were foundational in the fight for women’s suffrage, making her a key figure in American social reform.

National Women's History Museum, "Elizabeth Cady Stanton," 2017,

Lucretia Mott

Lucretia Mott (1793–1880) was a prominent activist who fought for women's rights
She helped organize the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, the first women's rights convention in the U.S., alongside Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
At Seneca Falls, Mott and other activists demanded equal rights for women, including the right to vote, marking a key moment in the suffrage movement.
Known for her powerful speaking skills, Mott gave speeches that inspired many to join the fight for women’s suffrage and equality.
She advocated for women’s education, property rights, and fair wages, believing these changes were essential to achieving equal rights.
Mott's leadership and dedication helped lay the foundation for the women’s suffrage movement, influencing later activists who continued her work.

National Women's History Museum, "Lucretia Mott," 2017,

Women Suffragists

There were millions of people who opposed suffrage. What is surprising to learn about in 2024 is how many women were the ones opposed to women voting. The Suffragists were treated like a big joke by many people in power. Cartoons insulting them were published every day as a form of bullying through intimidation. One of the strongest obstacles they faced came from other women. Various reasons were given behind this opposition:

Women voting was one step closer to other minority groups getting the right to vote and then selling their vote, specifically immigrants and Black Americans.
Voting would harm women’s power as moral authorities by getting involved in “dirty” politics.
Women feared that they would lose their special privileges, such as not having to fight in the military or do jury duty.
Women were busy enough taking care of the home to add additional responsibilities of voting.
Women were not capable of making good political decisions.

National Women's History Museum. "NAOWS Opposition." Crusade for the Vote. Accessed December 5, 2024

Former US political organization "National Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage" Wikiwand. Accessed December 3, 2024

Twin Cities Arts Reader. "The Anti-Suffrage Quartette"." Twin Cities Arts. Accessed December 3, 2024

Unveiling Women's Struggle

Thesis

Seneca Falls Convention

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.

Women Suffragists

The Fight for Women’s Suffrage