Susan B. Anthony

By bvoss@iastate.edu

  • Introduction to Elizabeth Cady Stanton

    Susan B. Anthony met Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1851, which created a strong relationship between two high-profile women's rights activists. These two women were two leading figures in women's rights, and they made a great team as they both had different strengths and. When combined, the strengths of one hid the weaknesses of the other. Without this relationship, it is unlikely that Susan B. Anthony would've been as successful, especially since she didn't like to publish her own writing.

  • Married Women's Property Act

    Susan B. Anthony was primarily concerned with women's suffrage, but she was aware that other rights must first be gained before the Women's Rights Movement can have enough momentum to push for women's suffrage. In 1853, she began working on the "Married Women's Property Act". It was not put into law until 1860. This law allowed women to own property, and have some wealth of their own. Furthermore, this increase in wealth allowed women to focus on other things, such as women's suffrage.

  • Creation of the Women's Loyal National League

    Susan B. Anthony helped to form the "Women's Loyal National League", which was the first national women's political organization in the country, helping to give women a voice in politics (although still a long way off from women's suffrage). This organization campaigned for an amendment to abolish slavery. While not directly supporting the Women's Rights Movement, this support for the amendment led to the Women's Loyal National League to gain more support and funds from abolitionists.

  • United States v. Susan B. Anthony

    Despite voting still being illegal for women in 1972, Susan B. Anthony registered to vote and was later arrested. The case went to the supreme court and garnered national attention. Susan B. Anthony ended receiving a fine that she never paid. The significance of this court case is that it helped to push women further towards receiving the right to vote. Anthony stood up to the supreme court justice, inspiring many other women to also stick up for their rights.