New Voices for Women and African Americans

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) The Progressive Movement 1890-1920 New Voices for Women and African Americans The Progressive movement's pursuit of social justice and a more ideal democracy also aided in the emergence of two new movements that opposed the most enduring betrayals of the American ideal of citizenship and equal opportunity: the denial of civil rights to African Americans and women. During the Progressive Era, African Americans across the country recognized the need for civil rights and economic opportunity, but they couldn't agree on how to achieve these objectives in the face of widespread discrimination and disenfranchisement, segregation, and racial violence in the South. The women's movement also fostered a number of fresh leaders, national organizations, and opposing justifications for women's rights, particularly the ability to vote, starting in the late nineteenth century. The Progressive Movement, which took place between 1890 and 1920, was a crucial period in American history marked by initiatives to better democracy and solve social inequities. The rise of fresh voices defending the rights of African Americans and women, who had long been disenfranchised and denied full citizenship rights in the United States, was one of the movement's major results. African Americans began to realize throughout the Progressive Era how critical it was for them to have access to economic opportunities and civil rights. They did, however, encounter significant obstacles in their pursuit of equality. Segregation, widespread disenfranchisement, widespread discrimination, and racial violence were commonplace, especially in the Southern states. Despite these barriers, African Americans organized and tried to use a variety of strategies, including as community organization, legal challenges, and grassroots activity, to redress these injustices. Divergent views existed among the African American community regarding the best ways to pursue economic and civil rights. While some pushed for more radical and aggressive ways to challenge the status quo, others promoted incremental transformation and working within the framework of the political and legal structures that were already in place. The basic objective was the same in spite of these internal conflicts: to provide equal rights and opportunities for African Americans in all spheres of society. During the Progressive Era, the women's movement also saw substantial expansion and change at the same time. During this time, national organizations, fresh viewpoints on women's rights, and new leaders emerged. The campaign for the right to vote, or suffrage, was essential to the women's movement and served as a rallying cry for women who wanted to establish their political agency and power. The fight for women's suffrage was entwined with larger discussions over citizenship, gender roles, and society expectations. Voting rights advocates contended that obtaining voting rights was crucial for winning other rights and benefits that were denied to women, in addition to being a question of political involvement. They fought for equal rights for women in the workplace, in the classroom, and in public life, challenging conventional ideas about women's roles in society. Women's rights advocates continued to work for the right to vote in spite of obstacles and criticism from powerful groups. Through public protests, grassroots organization, and lobbying, they progressively raised awareness of and support for their cause. The 19th Amendment's ratification in 1920 gave women the ability to vote, which was a major win for the women's suffrage campaign and a turning point in the larger fight for gender equality. In general, the Progressive Movement fostered the growth of fresh voices supporting African Americans' and women's rights. These movements achieved great progress toward the advancement of social justice, democracy, and civil rights in the US despite substantial obstacles and steadfast opposition. Their work paved the way for activists and leaders of the future to carry on the struggle for inclusion and equality.