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The first women's rights convention is held in Seneca Falls, New York. After 2 days of discussion and debate, 68 women and 32 men signed a Declaration of Sentiments, outlining grievances and sets the agenda for the women's rights movement. A set of 12 resolutions were adopted calling for equal treatment of women and men under the law and voting rights for women.
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During the Civil War, efforts for the suffrage movement come to a halt. Women put their energies toward the war effort. Some disguised themselves as men to join and help the fight. Others served as spies or nurses. They took on new roles at home untill the fight came to an end.
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Abigail Scott Duniway convinces Oregon lawmakers to pass laws allowing a married woman rights to start and operating her own business. Women can control the money they earn. Along with the right to protect her property if her husband leaves.
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The Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is founded by Annie Wittenmyer. With Frances Willard as their leader. The WCTU became an important organizationin the fight for woman suffrage. One of the strongest opponents to women's enfranchisement was the liquor lobby, which feared women might use their vote to prohibit the sale of liquor.
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The Progressive Era begins. Women from all classes and backgrounds enter public life. Women's roles are expanding and resulting in an increase of publicity for women. This issue of woman suffrage becomes part of mainstream politics.
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Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony found the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA), A radical group to achieve the vote through a Constitutional amendment as well as push for other woman’s rights issues. This group was based in New York
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The National Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage (NAOWS) is organized. Formed by Mrs. Arthur Dodge. The members were wealthy, influential women, some Catholic clergymen, distillers and brewers, urban political machines, Southern congressmen, and corporate capitalists.
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The Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire in New York City, where more than 100 people died (mostly female, including many teenagers), results in the largest female strike to date. This then created the workplace safety protective legislation for workers.
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The 19th Amendment, said “the rights 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,” passed both houses of Congress and was then sent to the states for ratification.
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More than 8 million women across the U.S. voted in elections for the first time. It took over 60 years for the other 12 states to ratify the 19th Amendment and grant women with the right to vote.
