Women's Empowerment In America

The Origin of Women’s Empowerment in America There is no doubt that the single most significant event in American History was gaining independence from Britain; nonetheless, the Woman’s Rights Movement is a comparable event that would forever change the face of American culture not only politically but also, socially. For more than 140 years after the founding of the Constitution, which created a predominately white male society, women would still struggle to earn their rights for equality. (citation) It was not until 1848, however, that the women’s rights movement would officially launch and begin to make improvements for women. Prior to this time, women generally accepted their roles as homemakers and did not extend their interests beyond …show more content…
Women began to realize their potential and need for equal representation in direct correlation with an increase in education and the motivation of powerful women who were fully aware of their present injustice. During this time, many male and female abolitionists alike were willing to fight for the cessation of slavery, but did not realize the parallels between the biased treatment of both parties. Once these legal and social similarities were publicized, however, the movement for women’s equality was in full swing. (citation) Despite the constant barriers faced by activists, ultimately, through much determination, the Women’s Rights Movement led to a paramount of benefits including women’s suffrage, an increase in education, and women becoming active leaders in …show more content…
The whole ideal of America becoming independent in the first place had started due to this phenomenon. Even in the early colonial days, women were given the opportunity to vote in legislature. It was not until the ratification of the Constitution in 1777 that women were no longer able to have that right. In 1865 to1870, after the civil war, the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution were proposed. They were both major disappointments for women activists who were hopeful that these amendments would grant everyone the ability to vote, not just slaves. This was not the case though. Moreover, the 15th Amendment did not specify that women were excluded, so when some women, among those being Susan B. Anthony, tried to vote under the ambiguous wording, they were arrested. Furthermore, the major women figures, Stanton, Anthony, and Lucy Stone were split apart due to their differences of opinion on supporting the 14th and 15th Amendments. Stanton and Anthony separated and formed the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) which supported enfranchising women, but