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Industrial Revolution
During the mid 19th century, people moved out of their houses to work in Industrial textile towns and earn small salaries to feed their families. Women began working outside the home for the first time. -
Women get equal pay for work
Congress passes a law giving women equal pay for equal work. -
Hull House Founded
Jane Adams founds the Hull House to assist the poor in Chicago, becoming a model for other settlement houses. -
Mary Harris Jones' protest
"Mother" Jones protests against child victims of industrial accidents from Philadelphia to New York. -
First women elected to House of Representatives
Jeanette Rankin gets elected to the House of Representatives, serving two terms. -
High-paying jobs open to women
A shortage of workers during WWII opens a large range of high-paying jobs to women. Almost seven million women enter the workforce. -
EEOC is founded
In 1964 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is founded, emposing punishments for discrimination of sex. -
NOW is founded
A group of feminists lead by Betty Friedan. NOW becomes the largest women's rights group in the US seeking to end sexual discrimination, especially in the workplace. -
Equal Rights Amendment passed by Congress
The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is passed by Congress. The amendment reads: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." but the amendment died in 1982. -
First women in the Supreme Court
Sandra Day O'Connor becomes the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. -
First Woman in Space
Sally Ride becomes the first woman in space. -
Women in Combat
During the Gulf War, women serve in combat for the first time -
Business Week Reports Amazing Statistics
The labor-market participation rate for 25-44 year old women rises from 20% to 75% between 1900 and 1999. -
Women Provide Over Half of Household Income
Of married working women, 48% provide at least half of household income, some making more than their husbands.
