Lecture: The Suffrage Movement

University:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Course:
HIST 1160 | U.S. History to 1865
Academic year:

2024
Views:

40

Pages:

3
Author:

Harsh P.

Lecture: The Suffrage Movement I. Introduction to the Suffrage Movement ● The Suffrage Movement was a pivotal social and political movement that aimed to secure voting rights for women. ● It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. ● The movement's significance extends beyond voting rights; it had a profound impact on women's status and their roles in society. II. Historical Context ● The 19th century was marked by significant social and political changes. ● Industrialization and urbanization transformed society, leading to discussions about citizenship and political participation. ● Women were largely excluded from political processes, despite their contributions to society. III. Key Figures in the Suffrage Movement ● ● ● Susan B. Anthony ● A prominent suffragist in the United States. ● Advocated for women's suffrage through education and activism. ● Co-founder of the National Woman Suffrage Association in 1869. Elizabeth Cady Stanton ● Another influential American suffragist. ● Worked alongside Susan B. Anthony and wrote extensively on women's rights. ● Co-authored the Declaration of Sentiments in 1848. Emmeline Pankhurst ● A leading figure in the British suffrage movement. ● Founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903. ● Advocated for militant tactics to gain attention and achieve suffrage. IV. Strategies and Tactics ● Suffragists used a variety of strategies to advance their cause. ● Peaceful methods included petitions, rallies, and public lectures. ● Some activists, like the WSPU, engaged in civil disobedience, hunger strikes, and even property damage. ● Suffragists faced significant opposition, including violent counter-protests. V. Achievements and Milestones ● ● ● Seneca Falls Convention (1848) ● The first women's rights convention in the United States. ● Issued the Declaration of Sentiments, which demanded women's suffrage. 19th Amendment (1920) ● Ratified in the United States, granting women the right to vote. ● A landmark achievement after decades of struggle. Representation of the People Act (1918) ● In the UK, granted voting rights to women over 30. ● A step toward universal suffrage. VI. Legacy of the Suffrage Movement ● The Suffrage Movement laid the foundation for broader women's rights advocacy. ● It inspired subsequent generations to challenge gender-based discrimination. ● Today, its legacy continues in ongoing efforts for gender equality and women's empowerment. VII. Conclusion ● The Suffrage Movement was a transformative social and political movement that fought for women's right to vote. ● Its leaders and activists, both in the United States and the United Kingdom, used various strategies and faced significant opposition. ● The movement's legacy endures in the ongoing fight for gender equality and women's rights.