The Womens Suffrage Movement A Progressive Era Reform

The Women’s Suffrage Movement A Progressive Era Reform

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Where it began l l l Suffrage movement began in 1848 First women’s rights convention held in Seneca Falls, New York. It took 50 years to convince the public that women should vote. Led by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton Suffragists circulated petitions and lobbied Congress to pass amendment for women to vote.

A mass movement l l Mass movement for women’s suffrage began at the turn of the century (1880 -1900) Women chose to unify because they wanted to have a hand in government legislation – A say in how Americans should live, a voice…. A VOTE

Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin speaks from the NAWSA headquarters, 1917

Women organize to vote l l 20 th century (1900 s) leadership of the suffrage movement passed to two organizations. National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), – – Led by Carrie Chapman Catt: : Moderate organization NAWSA campaigned for women’s suffrage one state at a time (starting with Western states) Lobbied President Wilson and Congress to pass a woman suffrage Constitutional Amendment at the same time. In the 1910 s, NAWSA’s membership numbered in the millions.

* Second group: National Woman’s Party (NWP) -Led by Alice Paul, militant organization. -The NWP chose more radical actions, including picketing the White House and voluntary starvation

The 19 th amendment! l l In 1920, due to both NAWSA and the NWP 19 th Amendment was passed – – Gave women the right to vote nationally Victory considered the most significant achievement of women in the Progressive Era. Single largest extension of democratic voting rights in our nation’s history, Was achieved peacefully, through democratic processes.