Suffrage Movement Essay

The Women's Suffrage Movement of 1848 "There will never be complete equality until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers", quoted by American social reformer and suffrage activist Susan Brownell Anthony. The women's suffrage movement in North America went on for more than 50 years and the success of the individuals influenced the democracy and working environments for women in society today. During 1848, women took on many roles. A majority of women worked at home looking after children, cleaning and making meals. Another group of women worked to support themselves and their families and had little time and funds to devote to social movements. But there was also a group of strong female figures in the middle and upper classes during this time that devoted their lives to reform. In the late 19th and 20th century all women began to support the women's suffrage movement, started by the strong female leaders. Many joined labor unions, held strikes for higher pay, and protested for better working conditions. As World War I came along it slowed the suffragists' campaign but gave women time to re-focus their arguments. Some activists pointed out that women had proved they were just as strong and deserving of citizenship as men. Women in the 1800s were excluded from running for politics, participating in parliament, and voting because of their gender. Women were only invited to listen, observe and learn, but not contribute. On the other hand men could contribute and make suggestions and even run for government during the elections. During the time of 1848 and the early 1900s women's protest in Canada erupted and increased against discrimination in education, paid employment and violence against women and children. By August 1920, the 19th amendment to the US constitution was passed, allowing men and women to vote equally. "Citizens shall not be denied by the United States or by any State on account of sex". The right ended almost a century of protesting. The first wave of feminism was held in the Wesleyan Chapel of the town of Seneca Falls, New York, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Hundreds of men and women gathered in support of equality for women. The convention discussed the social, civil, and religious rights of women. Susan Brownell Anthony was an extremely important figure during the suffrage movement as was Elizabeth Cady Stanton as they fought for women's rights in voting and participating in politics and parliament. Susan B Anthony was one among many women who was opposed to slavery and collected 400,000 signatures in support of ending it. In support of women's rights and gender equality she wrote 'The Revolution' newspaper that focused on prohibiting discrimination towards women's voting rights in the suffrage movement. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, was another significant female figure who played many key roles in support of the Suffrage movement. Stanton helped secure reforms passed in 1860 which allowed women to gain joint custody of their children after divorce, own property and participate in business transactions. She also was the creator of the Seneca Falls NY convention of 1848. At this convention, the main focus became the right for women to vote and many female activists raised public awareness, and protested in front of parliament buildings asking the government to grant voting rights for women. The Women's Suffrage movement paved the way for women to gain voting rights, to be acknowledged in the workplace during the time of World War I, and set the standard for women to receive an education. Due to this movement, Canada has become a modern country where women currently run for political office, and hold powerful positions in universities and businesses. Although the movement granted women rights in North America, many women in third world countries still fight for gender equality in the workplace, and voting rights. This movement has given women a chance to prove themselves and offer new strategies and ideas in problem solving. Women have also proven they are strong, are able to multitask, offer strong organizational skills and are very nurturing. One of the biggest impacts due to the Women's Suffrage Movement is the increased number of women who have jobs and can help grow the economy. Work Cited List Kiyaan Nov 4 2019 Veronica Strong Boag, "Women's Suffrage In Canada", The Canadian Encyclopedia, 07 May 2019, Historica Canada, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/suffrage, Accessed 13 September 2019 history.com Editors, "Women's suffrage", HISTORY, Accessed September 16 2019, August 19 2019, https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/the-fight-for-womens-suffrage Hayward Nancy, Susan B Anthony, 06/12/2018, https://www.womenshistory.org/educationresources/biographies/susan-b-anthony, Accessed 17 September 2019 The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, "Women's Suffrage", Encyclopedia Britannica .inc, July 25 2019, https://www.britannica.com/topic/woman-suffrage history.com editors, "Elizabeth Cady Stanton", HISTORY, Accessed September 17 2019, https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/elizabeth-cady-stanton Boyd Michael, "On this day, the 19th amendment joins the constitution, accessed October 13 2019, https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/on-this-day-the-19th-amendment-joins-theconstitution history.com editors, "Seneca Falls Convention", History, Accessed October 12 2019, https:// www.history.com/topics/womens-rights/seneca-falls-convention