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The Formation of the Equal Rights Association
Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony founded the American Equal Rights Association in 1866 in New York. Through the formation of the association's constitution, these two women announced their specific goal: "to secure Equal Rights to all American citizens, especially the right of suffrage, irrespective of race, color or sex." They fought for women empowerment and opportunity, paving the way for future political movements. (Equal Rights Association Constitution, Library of Congress) -
Women's Suffrage Proposed to United States Congress
California Senator Aaron A. Sargent proposes an amendment guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of sex. Though it does not pass until 1920, the proposal is a monumental advancement in the fight for women's suffrage. (Corbett, P. Scott et al., U.S. History. 2014). -
The National Association of Colored Women Meets in Washington D.C.
Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mary Church Terrell, , Margaret Murray Washington, Fanny Jackson Coppin, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and Charlotte Forten Grimké meet in Washington, D.C. to form the National Association of Colored Women. The Association advocated for equality of the sexes and races, while condemning violence and promoting education. (Corbett, P. Scott et al., U.S. History. 2014). -
Theodore Roosevelt Announces his Support for Women's Suffrage
The election of 1912 is the first time a national election has drawn support for women's suffrage. Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive Party becomes the first national political party to embrace a woman suffrage platform. In Roosevelt's own words: "There is no surer sign of advancing civilization than the advanced respect paid to a woman, who is neither a doll nor a drudge." (Gender and Elections: Shaping the Future of American Politics, 2009) -
Jeannette Rankin Elected to Represent Montana in the U.S House of Representatives
Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to Congress where she endlessly advocated for women's rights. A member of the Republican Party, her triumphant campaign served as a beacon of light in the Women's Rights Movement (Corbett, P. Scott et al., U.S. History. 2014). -
Ratification of the 19th Amendment
On August 26, 1920 the 19th Amendment is ratified and women are legally given the right to vote. The 19th Amendment states: "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation." (U.S Constitution)
