On this date, June 4th, in the year 1919, Congress passed the amendment that gave women the right to vote. The bill was sent to the states and on August 18th, 1920, it became the law of the land.
Actually, as early as 1890 women's rights in general had become a much needed central issue throughout the U.S.A. Wyoming passed legislation that gave women the right to vote in 1890 and was the first state to do so. When Congress passed the 19th amendment on this date, and it was sent to the states to be ratified, it was the state of Tennessee that gave the amendment 2/3 of the votes needed to make it federal law....and 8 days later on August 18th, 1920 it was made so.
The Suffrage movement which was the thrust behind the passing of this amendment giving women a right to vote, had fought long and hard to make this day happen...a 70 year struggle with society that at times violently opposed such a law.
Yet, the passing of this law had much more to do than the right to vote....this voting right was sending a message throughout the land....women are equal and have the right to be!
In 1848, a movement for women's rights started through a national convention in Seneca Falls, New York. The meeting was organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) and a Lucretia Mott (1793-1880).
Public awareness began from the time of the original meeting and it was a long and hard-fought
road that led to the much needed equalities for women.
Because of the need of the states to recognize equality issues women were in dire need of, happen to come right before the outbreak of the Civil War, women's rights were set to the side to combat slavery which was at the forefront during that time. In fact, many women within the movement became noted abolitionists and stood with men and women of African descent in their need to not only be free but to have the right to be equal to anyone in society.
During the "Reconstruction Era", the 15th Amendment was passed through Congress on Feb. 26th, 1869 and ratified by the states on Feb. 3rd, 1870. This amendment gave African American males...the right to vote.
It was also in 1869 the National Women Suffrage Assn. was formed with the leader of this organization being Susan B. Anthony.
In the same year, the American Woman Suffrage Association was formed and for over 20 years these organizations fought with society in the cause for women to be elevated to an equal status with men.
There was more at stake than just one issue with women's right to vote. There were educational opportunities needed for women, better and much fairer divorce laws needed for women, and custody rights of children.
Society within the U.S. was going through changes, and women's equality was a major part of that needed change.
Women fought not only with the secular side of society to have a foundation built on equality for women, but the Christian church was found at times to object to womens rights and to "make sure women know their place".
Of course the liberalization of divorce laws were frowned on by many...including those within the Christian church, yet at the same time other things were"swept under the carpet": things like abuse(physical, mental, and emotional), women "were just to stay home and raise children" with no concern for those personal needs or goals in their lives, and when a divorce did happen...the women got...nothing!
By the beginning of the 20th century, things were beginning to finally change for women of this society, and the right to vote had a major impact for women...both at that time and has continued on into today!
In reference to the Christian view in regards to women, I am appalled at times to still hear the Scripture recited, usually out of context, that insinuates women are to be quiet, stay home, and be subject to their husbands.
Although I think that attitude is more of a minority that what had been, it still "blows me away" people even think that way.
I believe the Sacred Scriptures do teach men and women are equal. In 1 Peter 3:7, it reads: "Be good husbands to your wives....honor them....delight in them..." and in Ephesians 5:25 "...husbands are required to love their wives as Christ loved the Church." Well, Christ Jesus died for His church...
Actually, as early as 1890 women's rights in general had become a much needed central issue throughout the U.S.A. Wyoming passed legislation that gave women the right to vote in 1890 and was the first state to do so. When Congress passed the 19th amendment on this date, and it was sent to the states to be ratified, it was the state of Tennessee that gave the amendment 2/3 of the votes needed to make it federal law....and 8 days later on August 18th, 1920 it was made so.
The Suffrage movement which was the thrust behind the passing of this amendment giving women a right to vote, had fought long and hard to make this day happen...a 70 year struggle with society that at times violently opposed such a law.
Yet, the passing of this law had much more to do than the right to vote....this voting right was sending a message throughout the land....women are equal and have the right to be!
In 1848, a movement for women's rights started through a national convention in Seneca Falls, New York. The meeting was organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) and a Lucretia Mott (1793-1880).
Public awareness began from the time of the original meeting and it was a long and hard-fought
road that led to the much needed equalities for women.
Because of the need of the states to recognize equality issues women were in dire need of, happen to come right before the outbreak of the Civil War, women's rights were set to the side to combat slavery which was at the forefront during that time. In fact, many women within the movement became noted abolitionists and stood with men and women of African descent in their need to not only be free but to have the right to be equal to anyone in society.
During the "Reconstruction Era", the 15th Amendment was passed through Congress on Feb. 26th, 1869 and ratified by the states on Feb. 3rd, 1870. This amendment gave African American males...the right to vote.
It was also in 1869 the National Women Suffrage Assn. was formed with the leader of this organization being Susan B. Anthony.
In the same year, the American Woman Suffrage Association was formed and for over 20 years these organizations fought with society in the cause for women to be elevated to an equal status with men.
There was more at stake than just one issue with women's right to vote. There were educational opportunities needed for women, better and much fairer divorce laws needed for women, and custody rights of children.
Society within the U.S. was going through changes, and women's equality was a major part of that needed change.
Women fought not only with the secular side of society to have a foundation built on equality for women, but the Christian church was found at times to object to womens rights and to "make sure women know their place".
Of course the liberalization of divorce laws were frowned on by many...including those within the Christian church, yet at the same time other things were"swept under the carpet": things like abuse(physical, mental, and emotional), women "were just to stay home and raise children" with no concern for those personal needs or goals in their lives, and when a divorce did happen...the women got...nothing!
By the beginning of the 20th century, things were beginning to finally change for women of this society, and the right to vote had a major impact for women...both at that time and has continued on into today!
In reference to the Christian view in regards to women, I am appalled at times to still hear the Scripture recited, usually out of context, that insinuates women are to be quiet, stay home, and be subject to their husbands.
Although I think that attitude is more of a minority that what had been, it still "blows me away" people even think that way.
I believe the Sacred Scriptures do teach men and women are equal. In 1 Peter 3:7, it reads: "Be good husbands to your wives....honor them....delight in them..." and in Ephesians 5:25 "...husbands are required to love their wives as Christ loved the Church." Well, Christ Jesus died for His church...
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