89 Years Ago Today, American Women Win the Right to Vote

Today marks the 89th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Ratified in 1920, the amendment gave women the right to vote. Women had been gaining suffrage, or the right to vote, on a state-by-state basis throughout the early 20th century, but the amendment granted all U.S. women full voting rights.

It took 72 years to arrive at August 26th, 1920 and the final vote was dramatic, only passing by one.

Do you know the story behind woman’s suffrage in the United States?

For many years my knowledge was limited to the few paragraphs that were written in my High School history books and the plaque outside the New Jersey home of Elizabeth Cady-Stanton in the town I grew up in.

I didn’t know much about the women who made this day possible, many who didn’t live to see the 19th amendment passed. Such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Caty-Stanton.

I didn’t know about the arrest and imprisonment of 168 women, most from the National Women’s Party. I didn’t know about the hunger strike in prison and the forced feedings-earning them the name Iron Jawed Angels in the press.

I’m particularly drawn to women like Alice Paul, also from NJ, who lived long enough to also be involved in the ERA battle as well.

This conversation is fascinating to me, because her comments and experiences could also be applied to current movements and struggles. The National Woman’s Party emphasized working for a federal constitutional amendment for suffrage. Their position was at odds with the position of the NAWSA, headed by Carrie Chapman Catt, which was to work state-by-state as well as at the federal level. (where have I heard this before*cough*marriage equality*cough*)

I love that Lucy Burns meets Alice Paul in a London police station after both were arrested during a suffrage demonstration outside Parliament. Their alliance was powerful and long-lasting.

I think of the many women I’ve met in politics and activism, it’s a bond to be sure. I can’t imagine what I would do without them in my life. I thank my lucky stars to know that even when I’m tired and cranky they are there to encourage, prompt and support our efforts for equality and justice.

Happy 19th Amendment Ladies!