1. Progress in Individual States: By 1912, women had won the right to vote in several states across the United States. Wyoming was the first state to grant women's suffrage in 1869, and by 1912, women could vote in nine western states: Wyoming, Colorado (1893), Utah (1896), Idaho (1896), Washington (1910), California (1911), Oregon (1912), Arizona (1912), and Kansas (1912).
2. National Suffrage Movement: The national suffrage movement had been gaining momentum for decades, led by various women's suffrage organizations, including the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and the American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA). These organizations worked to raise public awareness about women's suffrage, lobby state and federal governments, and organize marches and protests.
3. Suffrage Organizations: In 1912, the suffrage movement was further strengthened by the merger of NAWSA and AWSA into the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA). This united organization allowed for a more cohesive national strategy and a more powerful voice in advocating for women's suffrage.
4. Congressional Action: The NWSA focused its efforts on securing a federal constitutional amendment that would guarantee women's suffrage. In 1912, the Susan B. Anthony Amendment was introduced in Congress for the first time, proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to enfranchise women. However, the amendment did not gain enough support to pass in 1912.
5. Suffragist Tactics: Suffragists employed a variety of tactics to advance their cause, including public speeches, lobbying, parades, and acts of civil disobedience. Despite the challenges they faced, suffragists continued to push for women's rights and the expansion of suffrage.
In 1912, the struggle for suffrage was still ongoing, but the movement had gained significant momentum and support. The suffrage movement would continue to gain strength in the coming years, culminating in the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which finally granted women the right to vote nationwide.