“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence” Helen Keller, author, humanitarian, and lecturer once said. Many Americans may be unaware on the true impact she left on the women’s rights movement. Keller pursued life as an avid activist promoting, humanitarian beliefs, education, and women’s suffrage. Keller published an essay, “Why Men Need Woman Suffrage” in 1913. She targets men as her main audience hoping to broaden their minds to realize the importance women have in society. Tying back to the meaning of the first quote, without optimism or faith no progress can ever be achieved. Therefore, the History 51 class goes in-depth on this “optimism and faith” all women had to accomplish to fight
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After being heavily involved with the war by providing aid by being nurses and cooks, many women demanded more representation within society. The suffrage movement was finally won on August 18th 1920, creating a major step for women’s equality. Also, starting in the 1920s, groups of women called Flappers were popping up in major cities. These women were described as, “brash for wearing excessive makeup, drinking, treating sex in a casual manner, smoking, driving automobiles, and otherwise flouting social and sexual norms” (wiki). Young women rebelled against conservative norms by dressing in clothing that publicly expressed their sexuality. Society, “thought flappers were risky and inappropriate but they gave the world our modern-day style”3. This turning point in history prompted future women’s equality movements. More women were intrigued by the sense of individualism and new freedom. The true fight for birth control and abortion rights started in the 1960s and eventually legalized in 1973 as the result of the Roe v Wade case. 1964 proved to be a big year by, “Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin”9 . This allowed women to have equal opportunities attaining jobs without discrimination based on sex. Established in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW), continues to contribute to society today. “NOW seeks to end sexual discrimination, especially in the workplace, by means of legislative lobbying, litigation, and public demonstrations.4” Today, the organization consists of 550 chapters in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The growth of this organization contributes progress in women’s rights. Young girls realize the inequality that persists in society and begin to find ways to fight against
After being heavily involved with the war by providing aid by being nurses and cooks, many women demanded more representation within society. The suffrage movement was finally won on August 18th 1920, creating a major step for women’s equality. Also, starting in the 1920s, groups of women called Flappers were popping up in major cities. These women were described as, “brash for wearing excessive makeup, drinking, treating sex in a casual manner, smoking, driving automobiles, and otherwise flouting social and sexual norms” (wiki). Young women rebelled against conservative norms by dressing in clothing that publicly expressed their sexuality. Society, “thought flappers were risky and inappropriate but they gave the world our modern-day style”3. This turning point in history prompted future women’s equality movements. More women were intrigued by the sense of individualism and new freedom. The true fight for birth control and abortion rights started in the 1960s and eventually legalized in 1973 as the result of the Roe v Wade case. 1964 proved to be a big year by, “Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin”9 . This allowed women to have equal opportunities attaining jobs without discrimination based on sex. Established in 1966, the National Organization for Women (NOW), continues to contribute to society today. “NOW seeks to end sexual discrimination, especially in the workplace, by means of legislative lobbying, litigation, and public demonstrations.4” Today, the organization consists of 550 chapters in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The growth of this organization contributes progress in women’s rights. Young girls realize the inequality that persists in society and begin to find ways to fight against