The 19th Amendment: How the Women’s Suffrage Movement Succeeded

 

The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution is the reflection of tireless efforts from countless women and allies. It was ratified in 1920 and it marks a pivotal moment in American history, granting women the right to participate in the democratic process by voting. However, the journey toward ratification was not an easy one. Today, we want to take an overview of it and appreciate the achievement of the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

 

The Road to the 19th Amendment

In 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention, organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, was the spark that ignited the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. That day, they issued the Declaration of Sentiments, which echoed the principles of the Declaration of Independence to demand expanding rights for women. That included the right to vote and control property.

After the passage of the 15th Amendment granting voting rights to black men in 1870, a split occurred in the movement. This led to the formation of two suffrage organizations: the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) and the American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA). In 1890, they merged to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), which led the movement until the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Some of the tactics they used included petitioning Congress and protests. African American women played a significant role in advocating for both racial and gender equality. Momentum grew in the early 20th century for women’s suffrage, with the Woman Suffrage Procession and the support of President Woodrow Wilson during World War I.

 

The Fight for the 19th Amendment

The political landscape of the time is a huge factor to consider to understand the fight for the 19th Amendment. The women’s suffrage movement got support from both Democrats and Republicans, but there was division about how much enfranchisement women should get.

Republicans, particularly in the Western states, tended to be more supportive of women’s suffrage because they saw it as a way to expand democracy and promote progressive ideals. In contrast, Democrats opposed the movement the most because they feared it would change the power dynamics and challenge traditional gender roles.

 

The 19th Amendment

After a lot of hard work, the suffragists obtained enough political support to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote. For 42 years, the Amendment had been introduced at every session of Congress, but it was always voted down or ignored. It wasn’t until May 1919 that the House of Representatives finally passed it and 2 weeks later it was approved by the Senate.

The first states to ratify the 19th Amendment include Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. However, the states that were against the Amendment delayed ratification as much as possible. It was Tennessee who provided the 36th ratification needed to mark the final adoption of the 19th Amendment.

 

Final Words

It’s safe to say that the road to ratification was paved with many victories and setbacks. The suffragists faced many difficult obstacles, especially in the South, where resistance was deeply rooted in the historical and cultural context of those states. With tireless activism and grassroots organizing, the suffragists secured women’s right to vote in the nation, giving democracy and equality one of the biggest victories in history.

 

Sources:

https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/woman-suffrage

https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/19th-amendment#:~:text=Passed%20by%20Congress%20June%204,decades%20of%20agitation%20and%20protest.

https://www.crusadeforthevote.org/19-amendment