1. Suffragists and Supporters: Suffragists and their supporters, who had long fought for women's suffrage, were overjoyed at the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. They celebrated this significant victory as a step toward achieving gender equality and granting women full citizenship.
2. Opposition from Anti-Suffragists: There was also opposition from anti-suffragists, who argued against women's right to vote. They believed that women's roles were primarily in the domestic sphere and that giving them the vote would disrupt traditional gender roles and social order.
3. Gradual Acceptance: Over time, as women began to exercise their right to vote, the opposition gradually diminished. Society began to accept women's suffrage as a positive change, and women played an increasingly active role in politics and public life.
4. Political Impact: The granting of women's vote had a significant impact on politics and society. Women's increased political participation influenced policy decisions, legislation, and the overall representation of women in government.
5. Intersectionality: While the suffrage movement achieved a groundbreaking victory for white women, it did not immediately address the voting rights of women from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. It took decades of further activism and legal battles to secure voting rights for all women in the United States.
6. Social and Cultural Changes: Women's suffrage also had broader social and cultural effects. It contributed to a shift in societal norms and attitudes toward women's capabilities, leading to increased opportunities for education and employment for women.
7. Resistance and Backlash: Despite the progress achieved, there were still pockets of resistance and backlash against women's involvement in politics. Some men and institutions attempted to limit women's political power and undermine their influence in decision-making processes.
Overall, the reaction to women's suffrage was a mix of celebration, resistance, and gradual acceptance. The fight for women's suffrage was a long and arduous one, and while the 19th Amendment marked a major milestone, it did not signal the end of gender-based discrimination and challenges that women faced in society and politics.