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Period: to
1865-1929
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Creation of the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA)
Created by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, this national organization pushed for the right for women to vote immediately. Women were greatly disturbed when the language of the 15th amendment left out their right to vote . They brought their argument to the United States Supreme Court in 1874, which turned down their claim stating the constitution does not deliberate the right to vote for anyone. Corbett, U.S. History, Chapter 16, Sectin 16.3 -
The 15th Amendment
Ratified February 3, 1870, the fifteenth amendment guaranteed all men, regardless of race or previous slave hood, the right to vote. However, through certain loopholes including poll taxes and literacy tests in the South, many African Americans were still unable to vote for nearly a century. The African Americans who could vote took advantage of their new right and began electing black leaders into office. Corbett, U.S. History, Chapter 16, Section 16.3 -
"Atlanta Compromise" by Booker T. Washington
Born into slavery himself, Booker T. Washington was an influential leader for the African American community. He delivered a speech in Atlanta, now known as the “Atlanta Compromise” which asked fellow black to work hard and make friends with those around them. He believed this would convince the white community that they deserved basic civil rights, rather than causing unrest and violence in their society through revolts and demonstrations. Corbett, U.S History, Chapter 21, Section 21.3 -
The formation of Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage
Alice Paul formed the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage out of frustration that women’s suffrage was not receiving media attention. She and others protested outside the White House for nearly 2 years in 1917, ultimately leading to her arrest and near death. President Wilson was ashamed of the treatment these women received and ultimately changed his stance on women’s suffrage. Corbett, U.S. History, Chapter 21, Section 21.3 -
"Harlem Hellfighters" in WWI
African Americans were segregated in the military and often did not serve purposeful roles. The Harlem Hellfighters were a troop of African Americans assigned to the battlefront in France on April 8, 1918. These men received the Legion of Merit when they returned home and participated in a parade in their honor in NYC in 1919. Corbett, U.S History, Chapter 23, Section 23.3 -
The 19th Amendment Ratified
Due to the actions of women’s rights leaders from the decades before, the 19th amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920. Since 36 states were required to ratify the amendment, the deciding vote was in the hands of Tennessee. Representative Burn was influenced by his mother and passed the amendment that granted the right to vote for all women across the nation. "19th Amendment", history.com, accessed June 20, 2017,
