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The Constitution of the Republic of Texas denied women the right to vote, own property independently (if married), or participate in politics. -
When Texas joined the Union, it adopted laws modeled after other Southern states, reinforcing the lack of rights for women. Married women had very limited legal status, and suffrage was still only granted to men. -
Although not in Texas, this national event launched the organized women’s rights movement in the U.S. Texas women began forming reading circles and informal discussion groups inspired by these ideas. -
With many men away at war, Texas women managed farms, businesses, and households. Though informal, this increased visibility helped challenge traditional gender roles. -
This law opened teaching as a profession for women, providing them with one of the few acceptable career options and increasing their public presence in society. -
The start of women’s literary clubs in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio laid the foundation for organized activism. These clubs discussed civic improvement, education, and eventually suffrage. -
Women had no voting rights and were not allowed to participate in the convention. Petitions from women’s groups for suffrage were ignored, but it marked one of the first formal calls for change in Texas. -
The WCTU was one of the first statewide organizations to advocate for women’s suffrage in Texas, connecting the right to vote with moral and social reforms like temperance. -
Founded by Rebecca Henry Hayes in Dallas, TERA was the first organization in Texas specifically dedicated to women’s suffrage. It connected Texas efforts to the national movement and held public lectures and campaigns. -
Held in Dallas, this convention brought together activists from across the state to organize, strategize, and build public support for the right to vote. It was a major milestone in Texas women's political organizing.