Suffrage Movement of Women: Women throughout history have consistently advocated for their rights, and the suffrage movement was a key factor in securing the vote. The movement's leaders, such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucy Stone, held speeches, petitions, and demonstrations advocating for women's right to vote.
Influence of the Civil War: The Civil War brought attention to the disparities in the rights of various American citizens. The abolitionist movement, which fought to end slavery, was linked to the suffrage movement, arguing for the rights of all Americans, including women.
World War I: Women's active involvement in the war effort during World War I sparked a change in public opinion about their abilities and merits. The participation of women in industries and the war helped disprove the common belief that women were incapable of handling public responsibilities.
The Progressive Movement: The Progressive Era, which aimed to bring about social and political reforms, emphasized the suffrage movement. Suffragettes believed that giving women the right to vote would aid in the fight against social issues such as poverty, labor exploitation, and child labor.
Activism and Civil disobedience: Suffragettes used a range of tactics, including public demonstrations, marches, and hunger strikes, to make themselves heard and put pressure on the government. Despite setbacks and arrests, their unwavering commitment highlighted their cause's importance.
Media Coverage: Women's right to vote gained increased attention and support thanks to the media's coverage of suffrage demonstrations, speeches, and activities. Newspapers, periodicals, and magazines became essential dissemination channels for their demands and arguments.
Economic and Educational Opportunities for Women: Suffrage advocates pointed to the progress women had achieved in education, employment, and civil society participation as evidence of their aptitude for citizenship and the right to vote.
International Suffrage Movement: The suffrage movement in the United States was inspired by the gains made in other countries. Women's suffrage was gaining traction and achieving success at the same time in locations like the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.
National Woman's Party: The National Woman's Party, which was particularly militant, organized public demonstrations and lobbied Congress for a constitutional amendment to give women the right to vote.
Wilson, Woodrow, and the 19th Amendment: President Woodrow Wilson's public support of the suffrage movement and the amendment was essential. Despite opposition, he advocated for the necessity of women's suffrage and lobbied Congress to advance the 19th Amendment.
State Efforts: While the majority of states did not authorize women's suffrage. Still, others were gradually extending the vote to women. These victories paved the way for a national amendment by demonstrating the viability and success of women voting.
The long-standing suffrage movement, which advocated for women's rights, was supported by changing societal attitudes, the women's efforts during the war, and changes in the political environment. The combined impact of these factors led to the adoption of the 19th Amendment in 1918, allowing women to cast ballots in federal elections for the first time in American history.