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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 sign a Declaration of Sentiments, which outlines grievances and sets the agenda for the women's rights movement.
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The first National Women's Rights Convention takes place in Worcester, Mass., attracting more than 1,000 participants.
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Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton form the National Woman Suffrage Association.
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Colorado is the first state to adopt an amendment granting women the right to vote.
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The National Association of Colored Women is formed, bringing together more than 100 black women's clubs.
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Margaret Sanger opens the first U.S. birth-control clinic in Brooklyn, N.Y. Although the clinic is shut down 9 days later and Sanger is arrested, she eventually wins support through the courts.
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The Federal Woman Suffrage Amendment, originally written by Susan B. Anthony and introduced in Congress in 1878, is passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. It is then sent to the states for ratification.
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The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote, is signed into law by Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby.
