Unfortunately, many early suffrage supporters, including Susan
B Anthony, remained single because in the mid-1800s, married
women could not own property in their own rights and could not
make legal contracts on their own behalf.
Equal Rights Association is wrecked by disagreements over the 14th
Amendment and the question of whether to support the proposed
15th Amendment which would enfranchise Black American males
while avoiding the question of woman suffrage entirely.
In 1869 NWSA (National Woman Suffrage Association), based
in New York, was formed by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B.
Anthony, a more radical institution, to achieve the vote through a
Constitutional amendment as well as push for other woman’s rights
issues.
In addition, AWSA (American Woman Suffrage Association)
was formed by Lucy Stone, Henry Blackwell, Julia Ward Howe
and other more conservative activists to work for woman suffrage
through amending individual state constitutions. AWSA, based in
Boston, started the Woman’s Journal in 1870, which was in print until
1930. It was founded and edited by Mary Livermore, Lucy Stone
and Henry Blackwell.
In 1871, Victoria Woodhull addresses the House Judiciary Committee,
arguing woen’s rights to vote under the 14th amendment.
That same year the Anti-Suffrage Party is founded.
In 1872 Susan B. Anthony casts her ballot for Ulysses S. Grant in
the presidential election and is arrested and brought to trial in Rochester,
NY. 15 other women were arrested for illegally voting also.
Sojourner Truth shows up at a polling booth to vote but is turned
away.
During 1872, Abigail Scott Duniway convinces Oregon lawmakers
to pass laws granting a married woman’s rights such as starting
and operating her own business, controlling the money she earns
and the right to protect her property if her husband leaves.
WCTU (Woman’ Christian Temperance Union) is founded
by Annie Wittenmyer in 1874. Frances Willard at its head in 1876,
The strongest opponents was the liquor lobby, which fared women
might use their vote to prohibit
the sale of liquor.
In 1976 Susan B. Anthony
and Matilda Joslyn Gage
-
al program at Independence
Hall in Phladelphia, presenting
a “Declaration of Rights
for Women” to the Vice President.
In 1878 A Woman Suffrage
Amendment is proposed
in the US Congress.
When the 19th Amendment
passes 41 years later, it is
worded exactly the same as
this 1878 Amendment.
1888 The National Council
of Women in the US is
established to promote the
advancement of women in
society.
By 1890, the NWSA and
In 1872 Susan B. Anthony casts her
ballot for Ulysses S. Grant in the
presidential election and is arrested
and brought to trial in Rochester,
NY.
AWSA merge to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association.
That same year, the American Federation of Labor declares
support for woman suffrage.
Between 1890 and 1925, the Progressive Era begins. Women
from all classes and backgrounds enter public life. Women’s roles
expand and result in an increasing politicization of women. Consequently
the issue of woman suffrage becomes part of mainstream
politics.
In 1894, 600,000 signatures are presented to the NY State Constitutional
Conventional in a failed effort to bring a woman suffrage
amendment to the voters.
During 1896, Mary Church Terrell, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and
Frances E. W. Harper among others found the NACW, the National
Association of Colored Women’s Clubs.
1911 – The NAOWS (National Association Opposed to Woman
-
en, some Catholic clergymen, distillers and brewers, urban political
machines, Southern congressmen and corporate capitalists.
the national level by a major political party: Theodore Roosevelt’s
Bull Moose Party. By 1914, the General Federation of Women’s
Clubs formally endorses the suffrage campaign.
1915 over 40 thousand woman march in a NYC suffrage parade,
dressed in white, carrying placards with the names of the states they
represent.
-
ed to the House of Representatives. Woodrow Wilson state that the
Democratic Party platform will support suffrage.
In 1917 Alice Paul, leader of the National Woman’s Party was
to “break” her will and to undermine her credibility with the public.
During the years National Woman party picketers were arrest-
Some were sentenced to up to 6 months in jail.
1918 President Wilson supports suffrage at the end of World
-
cess begins.
On August 26, 1920, ¾ of the state legislatures ratify the 19th
Amendment. American Women win FULL voting rights.