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Women’s Rights

Throughout history, American society has experienced much transformation in the realm of progression. The idea of women’s rights have proven to be one of the greatest progressive movements in the formation of this country. There was a time were women were considered inferior to man, however, due to the great efforts made by brave female activists, this concept has greatly diminished. If it weren’t for the women who fought for their equality and civil rights, it’s chilling to think that our modern society would not be where it is today.

The concept of women’s rights traces back to centuries ago. The women's rights movement in the United States is perhaps among one of the greatest progressive movements in history. The first women's rights convention was held in 1848 at Seneca Falls, New York. After a two day debate, the deceleration of sentiments was signed by 68 women and 32 men. This document set the framework of the women’s rights movement and pushed for equal rights and treatment of women and men under the law. It also urged women to receive voting rights. 2 years later in 1850, the first ever women's rights convention took place in Massachusetts. This convention consisted of over 1,000 women and was held annually until around 1860. It wasn't until 1869 that

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony emerged to form the national woman suffrage association. This association made great strides in their attempts to achieve voting rights for women by attempting to create an amendment under the constitution. These two women activists played a major role in obtaining equal rights for women.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, born on November 12th 1815 as the eighth child out of eleven to the parents of Daniel Cady and Margaret Livingston Cady, strived to change the world for the better in the realm of equality of genders. Sadly, Elizabeth lost 5 of her brothers and lost her last brother at a very young age. Following the death of her brother Eleazar, her father told her that he wished Elizabeth was born a male. Perhaps this is the cause for Stanton’s undying attempts for women’s equality. It’s no secret that for decades women were seen as inferior to men, however Stanton sought to change this. In 1866, Stanton, alongside Susan B. Anthony established the American Equal Rights Association which permitted voting rights for African Americans as well as women. This was a major feat for women, however, Stanton's attempts did not stop there. In 1868 the duo decided to publish a women’s rights paper in which voiced their opinions on crucial topics such as political, and financial issues. Overall it was clear that Stanton prided herself on finding a way to reach her end goal; women's right to vote. In 1890, the NWSA and AWSA merged to form the National American Women's Suffrage Association so that voting could eventually be achieved. Finally in 1920, fourteen years after the death of Susan B. Anthony, the 19th amendment emerges, allowing women the right to vote. On August 26th 1920, over eight million American women voted for the very first time, and although women were granted this right, women still endured gender inequality. As the 20th century progressed, Stanton's ideas of equality slowly began to be recognized and women's lives began to change for the better.