Women's Suffrage

Ryan Thomas and Kerri Flaherty Period ¾ American Lit. Honors 5/6/08 Women’s Suffrage The struggle for equal rights has long been an issue for women in western society. America has done no better than any European nation in its defense of women’s liberties – until the turn of the 20th century, women did not have even the right to vote. That most basic level of government involvement was denied to practically half of U.S. society, for reasons of gender. But finally, through determined protest and iron will, the longwithheld privilege of voting was granted to female citizens, with many more to follow. Though women were often individually resentful of their civil restrictions, it was not until the 1890’s that they became organized. The National American Woman Suffrage Association, or “NAWSA”, was founded in 1890, and was the first attempt by U.S. women to lobby for their rights. Prior to its creation, women often faced discrimination with little or no help, and even scorn, from their peers. For instance, in 1869 Myra Bradwell was denied the ability to practice law due to “the wide difference in the respective spheres and destinies of man and woman,” as put by the Supreme Court. But by 1900, women were seen joining unions, picketing, and being arrested for fighting for their rights. As the suffrage movement in particular continued to gain momentum, women voters’ advocates developed their arguments for equality. Women, they said, were powerful enough to vote, and would rise above the antiquated notion that equal rights would blur distinctions between the sexes.