HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 4 Living History
Living History
Dear Friend,
I am writing from New York City, where I have lived for the past few years. I am sure you have heard of the women’s suffrage movement sweeping nationwide and worldwide. This movement advocates for women’s political rights, such as voting and holding office. It belongs to the broader cause of women’s rights. Numerous other privileges, such as the ability to own land, pursue an education, engage in particular occupations, and be granted formal custody of their children, were also denied to them. (Britannica 2023).
HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 4 Living History
I have been involved in this movement since I was a young girl. I recall reading about Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who, in 1848, in Seneca Falls, New York, brought together the first conference for women’s rights. They established a Declaration of Sentiments that demanded equal rights for women regarding voting rights, land ownership, education, and work. They proclaimed that all men and women are created equal (Britannica 2023).
Since then, many courageous women have battled to vote through petitions, demonstrations, marches, talks, campaigning, acts of civil disobedience, and sometimes incarceration (History.com Editors, n.d.). Some are well-known leaders like Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Alice Paul, Carrie Chapman Catt, and Ida B. Wells (History.com Editors, n.d.). Others are ordinary women like me who believe we deserve a voice in our government.
The drive has encountered numerous obstacles and opposition from those who believe that women should stay at home and that males should only be allowed to vote. In our own ranks, there have also been conflicts over race, wealth, and tactics. But we have never given up hope or courage.
This year marks a historic milestone for us. After decades of struggle, Congress finally passed the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Women have the ability to vote nationally under the U.S. Constitution. On August 18th, 1920, several states approved it (History.com Editors, n.d.). This means we can cast our ballots for the first time in this year’s presidential election!
I am so excited to be part of this momentous change. The suffrage movement has had a personal impact on my family and me. It has given me a sense of purpose and empowerment, a chance to express my opinions and interests, and an opportunity to meet other like-minded women who share my vision for a better society. For instance, the women’s rights movement raised standards for women and gave them access to traditionally male-dominated fields like law, medicine, the church, and business (Zhao, 2021).
It has also challenged me to balance my work and family life as a working mother. I work as a teacher at a public school, where I try to educate young girls about their rights and potential. I also have two children, a boy and a girl, who support my cause. My husband is also supportive, although he sometimes worries about my safety and reputation.
The suffrage movement has also taught me that there is still much work to achieve equality for women. Voting is only one aspect of our rights; we also need equal pay, education, representation, legal protection, and freedom from violence and discrimination (Amnesty International, 2022). For instance, assault, abuse, disparate treatment, and a dearth of chances are just a few examples of how women, non-binary people, and trans people are subjected to discrimination and unequal treatment (Oxfam International, 2019).
We also need to work with other groups facing oppression and injustice based on race, class, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. We must build alliances and solidarity with them to create a more inclusive and democratic society.
HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 4 Living History
I believe that the suffrage movement will positively impact future generations of women. It will inspire them to pursue their dreams and ambitions without fear or doubt. It will empower them to participate actively in civic life and social change. It will show them they can make history by challenging injustice and demanding equality.
I hope you will join me in celebrating this historic victory for women’s rights. And I hope you will join me in continuing the fight for more rights for everyone.
References
Amnesty International. (2022). Women’s Rights. Www.amnesty.org; Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/discrimination/womens-rights/
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2020, September 25). Causes and Effects of Women’s Suffrage in the United States. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/Causes-and-Effects-of-Womens-Suffrage-in-the-United-States
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, February 22). Women’s suffrage. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/woman-suffrage
History.com Editors. (n.d.). Women’s Suffrage. HISTORY; A&E Television Networks. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/the-fight-for-womens-suffrage
HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 4 Living History
Kim, M., Ma, E., & Wang, L. (2023). Work-family supportive benefits, programs, and policies and employee well-being: Implications for the hospitality industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 108, 103356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2022.103356
Oxfam International. (2019, October 2). Gender justice and women’s rights. Oxfam International. https://www.oxfam.org/en/what-we-do/issues/gender-justice-and-womens-rights
Zhao, Y. (2021). Estimating the Impact of Women’s Education on the U.S. Suffrage Movement: An IV Approach. Etd.ohiolink.edu. https://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1619204130954484
