WOMEN SUFFRAGE AND THE NINETEENTH AMENDMENT (Essay Sample)

Women's Suffrage Movement and the Nineteenth Amendment Student Name Institutional Affiliation Course Code Instructor Date Introduction The history of every society is usually shrouded with various instances of inequality and gradual development. The modern society is a product of continuous improvement and advancement on past deficiencies. Amongst the most important developments was the women’s suffrage. Granting women equal rights to vote highlighted the realization that women also needed to be recognized as important players in decision-making. The passage of the ninth amendment essentially meant that there was no more disenfranchisement of women and that they now had the right to not only speak for themselves but also agitate for more. The passage of the 19th Amendment that granted women suffrage still remains one of the most significant political mobilization moments in the history of the U.S. As successful and significant as it was, the suffragists challenged the balance of power at that time and clearly brought about new insights into the American political system. This paper critically evaluates the issue of how many states denied women the right to cast a vote because of profoundly ingrained cultural norms, fears of disrupting the existing power structure, and political resistance, while women's suffrage was legalized in some states because of a combination of progressive reform efforts, strategic state-level campaigns, and regional variations in attitudes towards gender equality. Women's suffrage Women's suffrage in the US was a long and difficult fight for gender equity in the realm of voting rights. The movement looked to challenge the historical cultural norms and correct a historical omission from the Constitution. While the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Constitutional Corrections allowed freedoms to African American men, they did not extend similar rights to American women. Thus, advocates for women's suffrage were divided by various strategies, some aiming to get casting right one state at a time, while others pushed for a Constitutional change. At last, in 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment granted all American women full democratic privileges, the right to vote (DuBois, 1998). It resulted in a sudden significant increase in the number of voters across the country, since the ratio of men to omen as almost the same and made the political arena more inclusive and competitive for everyone. The denial of women's suffrage can be attributed to many compelling factors. The factors include deeply ingrained societal norms, which influenced greatly. The predominant man-centric belief system and the customary role of women as homemakers and caretakers led to resistance against giving them the right to cast a ballot. Also, many feared that women casting a vote could upset the current power structure, as it challenged the status quo where men held a large portion of the political power. On the other hand, the course of the women's suffrage movement was marked by relentless activism and advocacy. Key members in this movement included Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who played a key role in organizing the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, which is considered the introduction of the women’s suffrage movement (Sally & Steinem, 2019). According to Malone-France in the "Declaration of Sentiments", Stanton outlined the case for women's equality and right to vote: "He has never permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise. He has compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she had no voice." (Malone-France, 2011). This early convention laid the groundwork for the prolonged fight for women's suffrage. These activist, alongside others lobbied for women's right to vote, using different strategies like walks, protests, and civil disobedience. However, not all suffragists settled on the best strategy, prompting divisions in the movement. In the fight for rights, the points of view of key members differed, with some upholding a state-by-state approach and others pushing for a Constitutional change. These divisions in some cases, frustrated progress; however, they also allowed a more comprehensive and adaptable movement. The immediate result of the Nineteenth Amendment's ratification in 1920 was the enfranchisement of millions of American women, giving them a voice in the democratic process (DuBois, 1998). This occasion paved for gender equality and participation in the political circle. The broader implications were profound, as it denoted a huge step in the ongoing struggle for women's rights. Historical evidence shows that women's suffrage prompted a more comprehensive and diverse American democracy. Women became active members in legislative issues, with many taking on positions of authority (DuBois, 1998). Their participation contributed to social and political changes, including advancements in areas like education, medical services, and work freedoms. Women’s suffrage also propelled subsequent movements for social equality and civil rights. Reflection The advancement of any society usually takes place in phases. The single most significant indicator of a developing society is its recognition of gender equality as a foundation stone. The women's suffrage movement is clearly an instance that highlighted the need for such a balance in American society. Studying the women's suffrage movement and the Nineteenth Amendment as a student of history has been an enlightening experience. I chose this historically important event as a result of its persevering through pertinence in the present discussion about gender equality and voting rights. It signifies the progress made and the continuous battle for equality. In her memoir about the movement, suffragist leader Carrie Chapman Catt reflected: "To get the word 'male' in effect out of the Constitution cost the women of the country fifty-two years of pauseless campaign...During that time they were forced to conduct fifty-six campaigns of referenda to male voters; 480 campaigns to get Legislatures to submit suffrage amendments to voters; 47 campaigns to get constitutional conventions to write woman suffrage into state constitutions; 277 campaigns to get State party conventions to include woman suffrage planks; 30 campaigns to get presidential party conventions to adopt woman suffrage planks in party platforms, and 19 campaigns with 19 successive Congresses" (Catt & Shuler, 2020). This first-hand perspective highlights the relentless efforts required to a...