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"Home Life" by Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote a paper questioning society and typical home life. Her essay would go on to inspire future feminists. In this essay, she wrote, "We are in the midst of a social revolution, greater than any political or religious revolution, that the world has ever seen, because it goes deep in the foundation of society." Foner, Eric. “Elizabeth Cady Stanton, ‘Home Life.’” Voices of Freedom: a Documentary History, 5th ed., vol. 2, W W Norton, 2016, p. 14. -
The Temperance Movement
While "Home Life" got the equality ball rolling, the Temperance Movement unified women. The Women's Christian Temperance Union was the largest female organization of its time. This was an important step towards equality because women were demanding a stop to drunken abuse, no longer staying quiet. "The husband and the wife are peers in dignity and power." Foner, Eric. “Frances E. Willard, Women and Temperance.” Voices of Freedom: a Documentary History, 5th ed., vol. 2, W W Norton, 2016, p. 70. -
Women's Jobs and Independence
At this time, more women wanted to have a career as opposed to just being a housewife. Charlotte Perkins Gilman wrote, "In the home, women experienced not fulfillment, but oppression...little more than a servant to her husband and children." This was significant because women began to have a sense of self. Foner, Eric. “Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Women and Economics.” Voices of Freedom: a Documentary History, 5th ed., vol. 2, W W Norton, 2016, p. 81. -
The Equal Rights Amendment Debate
Elsie Hill and Florence Kelley had a debate on womens rights. Hill called for an end to all gender discrimination. Elsie used the National Women's Party to back her up. "...its determined effort to secure the freedom of women, an internal part of the struggle for human liberty for which women are first of all responsible." Foner, Eric. “Elsie Hill and Florence Kelley Debate the Equal Rights Amendment.” Voices of Freedom: a Documentary History, 5th ed., vol. 2, W W Norton, 2016, p. 160. -
Great Depression
While the Great Depression remains the worst economic slump in the US to this day, it also benefited women. Jobs that were "for men" faced the most layoffs while jobs that were "for women" continued. This gave women a boost and made them the breadwinners of the family. Now, men were relying on them for finances. -
Women's Jobs and WW2
This time for women was similar to 1898 in the sense it involved jobs. While men were fighting, women were working, like making ammunition and being nurses in camps. This era completely changed society for women because they now had an even greater since of independence. It was also important because it was a call to action specifically for women, which hadn't been done before. Women were now depended on and valued. -
Equal Pay Act
This act, signed by President John F. Kennedy on June 10, prohibited a difference of wages based on gender. Men could no longer legally be paid more than a woman for the same job. Starting with Elsie Hill's debate, woman were taking the law into there own hands to ensure equality. This was important to women because it ended discrimination “The Equal Pay Act of 1963.” The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA), www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/epa.cfm. -
Roe V. Wade
It was ruled that restrictive state regulation of abortion was unconstitutional. While this court case remains controversial to this day, this gave woman a choice. They didn't have to stay at home and be mothers. Instead, they could choose when and with whom to have children. Much like being in the workforce in 1898, it gave them the ability to self rule. -
Title IX
Adding to Title IX, the Supreme Court rules that college athletics programs must actively involve roughly equal numbers of men and women to qualify for federal support. This was helpful to women because it forbid the unfair treatment for women in athletics. No longer would men and boys dominate sports, but now women had an opportuinity. Title IX and Sex Discrimination. www.britannica.com/topic/Jackson-v-Birmingham-Board-of-Education. -
Hillary Clinton's Cracked Ceiling
She became the first female presidential candidate for a major party. She supported women and inspired future generations by showing girls they have a place in politics. This was important to the fight for women's rights because it was an advancement, showing what a women can do. She said, "...to all the little girl whose are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams."
