Women during the Progressive Movement

What were Women doing? Farm Women- critical part of economy in rural areas. Homemakers and farm workers Domestic Women- women without education or industrial skills. Many African American and Immigrants Industry Women- 25% of women. Poor conditions led to reforms

Women’s Leadership in Reform Education- Many women had new educational opportunities at women’s colleges Many of these women would choose a life of reform over marriage Women in Reform- Many women turned their attention to areas which needed reform. (“social Housekeeping”) Florence Kelly- Prohibited Child Labor and lowered working hours for women Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton- Fought for Women’s suffrage (right to vote)

Women’s Suffrage Movement Suffrage movement dates back prior to the Civil War. Seneca Falls Convention 1848- challenged accepted role of women. 14th and 15th Amendments gave African American men the right to vote. Women were torn, they agreed with expanding voting rights but angered they were not included.

Women’s Suffrage Movement Leaders in Movement- united under National American Women’s Suffrage Association Susan B. Anthony Elizabeth Cady Stanton Lucy Stone Three phased plan to achieve suffrage for women

Three Step Plan for Women’s Suffrage Step 1: Have state legislatures grant women right to vote. Step 2: Pursue court cases testing the 14th amendment. 14th Amendment states that every male citizen has right to vote. Women argued they are citizens why can they not vote. Step 3: National Constitutional Amendment

Impact of Women Suffrage: Women fought very hard with only modest success however, they would eventually receive the right to vote. Other Reforms: Women were very successful on: Ending Child Labor Improving conditions in factories and at home Limiting working hours Creating safer food and drug processes