The Vote-- History (1848-1920)

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Women's Suffrage (1848-1920)

The women's movement did not end with the passage of the 19^th Amendment - - in fact, as important as universal suffrage is, it can be seen as only a means to an end. Many women's groups, associations and organizations had been established during the seventy years of struggle and finally they had a real right to be heard. The League of Women Voters (LWV) was formed out of the NAWSA in 1920 when victory was still only three votes away. The LWV is one of the best examples of an organization dedicated to the importance of the right to vote. Still in existence today, the LWV promotes political action and the civic duty of casting a vote. It raises the public's awareness with election publications and encourages women and men to learn about local, state, and national issues and to exercise their inalienable rights. Organizations such as LWV was created from the intelligent, politically minded women who understood the importance of equality under the law. Whether organizations promoted conservative action through protective legislation or radical social changes such as prohibition, they were all made up of brilliant and strong women.

It is evident today that many young adults do not recognize the power of voting. It is a shame the numbers of young women who are not aware of the great strides suffragists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Alice Paul made in the interests of future generations. Their hard work and dedication is the reason women vote today and have a voice in government at all. It is difficult to imagine a world of political action without thinking about women. Perhaps today's youths take for granted the notion of equality under the law. The rights of women are now such a part of mainstream society that many are left ignoring the real history behind the women's movement. Radical feminism is associated with the advocacy of women's rights and instantly the term denotes a negative image. Outspoken political action has become the most effective way for women to voice their opinion and yet few young adults take advantage of it. For tomorrow's generation, women's suffrage is a thing of the ancient past and the radical social revolutions of the 1970s cloud their perception of social equality.