|
In opposition to the NWSA Lucy Stone founded the American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA), which focused on state activism and opened itself to men. The split in the movement was further agitated by the Anti-Suffrage Party founded two years later. Beginning in 1878, when the woman's suffrage amendment was introduced, the campaign for universal suffrage maintained full momentum until the ratification in 1920. The two suffrage groups, NWSA and AWSA, combined in 1890 as the National American Woman Suffrage Association, which slowly petitioned for full citizenship, state by state. Gradually, states began to adopt the amendment and included women's in the right to vote. Wyoming and Utah joined the Union with voting rights that already extended to women. Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Kansas, and Arizona also complied with women's suffrage by 1912. Certainly this marked progress, but was by no means sufficient for suffragettes.
Across the nation women's efforts attracted attention and gained noticeable support. Extensive parades and protests were organized to increase public awareness and direct attention to the issue of women's rights. The National Woman's Party was founded on the principle of direct action and agitation for the right to vote secured in a federal amendment. The persistent efforts of courageous women contributed to the largest successful non-violent revolution. Occasional arrests were made, but not one ounce of blood was shed in the fight for women's suffrage. The slow and peaceful campaign waged was a remarkable feat and deserves the attention of young women and men who take the right to vote for granted. Women's suffrage fought for equality in the hopes of a promising and lasting future- - a truly progressive concept. |
Copyright Molly Egan, Jason Wood; Lehigh University 1999