Timeline: Women's Suffrage Movement

1847

Introduction

Until the Women’s suffrage movement, [American] women were always oppressed and never considered equal by the law. In the late 19th century, the tide started to turn. Women across the country banded together and meet to change their unequal treatment. From those meetings; the women’s suffrage movement was born. Suffragists protested and put pressure on legislators to create a more equal world, and eventually convinced Congress to pass the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.

1848

Seneca Falls Convention (The First Woman's Rights Convention)

Many regard the first woman's rights convention of July 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York as the birthplace of American feminism. Most notably, Elizabeth Cady Stanton drafted the Declaration of Sentiments calling for women’s suffrage and equality (Frederick Douglas and another 100 people signed the declaration). The convention focused on equality and suffrage was a huge stepping stone for women’s rights in the 19th century.

1851

Sojourner Truth “Ain't I a Woman?” Speech

At the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, Truth gave her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech. The speech highlighted how women were equal to men, and extended to black women including those who were born into slavery. She said that women can endure and live exactly as men can. Truth said “Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman!” Ultimately, the speech pointed to equal rights and asked for equal treatment of women.

1869

Two Main Suffrage Groups Are Formed

A year after the first federal women’s suffrage amendment was introduced to Congress and denied, two main women's suffrage groups formed over disagreements between women’s suffrage and the movement for racial equality. The American Woman Suffrage Association was focused on achieving women's voting rights on a state by state basis. On the other hand, The National Woman Suffrage Association was focused on achieving voting rights for women by adding an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

1872

Susan B. Anthony Votes in The Presidential Election

In 1872, a pivotal moment in the movement for women's suffrage occurred. The feminist activist Susan B. Anthony voted in the presidential election; an act that was illegal at the time. She was arrested and fined (which she never paid) directly after she voted. Her trailblazing act, while illegal, created awareness for suffrage around the country and showed people there was a cause to fight for.

1877

The Woman’s Rights Amendment is First Introduced to Congress

The Woman’s Rights Amendment was the first amendment that pushed for gender equality. This amendment was created with the intention of giving women the right to vote. It took around a decade for this amendment to be introduced into congress. This amendment then took decades of review and discussion, and finally became ratified to the constitution as the 19th amendment.

1912

The Bull Moose Party Becomes the First Political Party to Support Women’s Suffrage

The Bull Moose Party was Theodore Roosevelt's progressive political party, which was the first party to include women’s suffrage ideals. This was a large step towards the support of the women's suffrage movement politically. The inclusion of women’s rights in political parties has shed light on the gender inequality in the United States. Thus, the Bull Moose Party’s induction of women’s rights has led towards the inclusion of gender rights in our current political parties.

1916

Jeannette Rankin Becomes The First Woman Elected to the House of Representatives

In 1916, Jeannette Rankin was the first woman to serve in Congress. She was elected as a Republican and represented Montana. In her time in Congress she pushed for women’s voting rights, improved labor conditions, and healthcare for women and children. Her time in Congress has paved the way for any woman to become a political figure. There have been over 300 women that have entered congress after her induction, and there will be many more.

1920

The 19th Amendment is Added to the Constitution

In 1920, the 19th Amendment [to the Constitution] was ratified to the constitution. The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. This was the largest achievement for women's rights at the time and accelerated actions for progressive America. This amendment was the first step towards equality for women. The 19th Amendment paved the way for later feminist groups to fight for abortion rights, equal pay, child care, and other goals.

1921

Conclusion

Through the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, women endured a long battle and successfully earned their rightful freedoms. The strong will of women in America led to the adoption of woman's suffrage ideals into politics, and thus led to their right to vote in 1920. This movement continued to create equality for women and inspired many to fight for their freedoms. Today, their courage and perseverance remains in society and will continue to create a path for many.

1922