1. Women in the United States fought for the right to vote for many years, finally winning that right in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment. Their journey was full of struggles, not just from men, but even from other women. And their fight didn't end in the early 1900s. After women gained the right to vote, other groups like African Americans and Native Americans also fought for their voting rights. Today, people convicted of felonies are also working to regain their right to vote.

Question

2. Even after the idea of women having the right to vote began to gain support, there were still many challenges. Some women were against suffrage, just like many men were. These women believed that a woman’s place was in the home, not in politics. Some were afraid that male politicians would take advantage of women if they could vote. In fact, many women already had influence in their communities, and some believed that was enough, without needing to be involved in national politics.
3. Anti-suffragists, or those against women’s voting rights, argued that giving women the vote would change politics in a way that wasn’t needed. They believed society was already built on separate roles for men and women, and letting women vote would upset that balance. Some women also opposed suffrage because they liked their traditional domestic roles and felt voting and public life were better suited to men. One anti-suffrage pamphlet even said that women who wanted to vote were making a big mistake by trying to take on men's roles.
4. Another group of women who opposed suffrage were wealthier women. They believed that giving women the right to vote would lessen their own political power and influence. One 1894 New York Times article argued that giving women the vote would "increase the ignorant vote" and bring wealthy women into contact with people they considered less refined or "ignorant."
5. Another challenge was racism. Many white suffragists opposed the enfranchisement of Black women, believing that they were not capable of voting. This division weakened the women's suffrage movement and made it more difficult to pass the amendment.
6. The women's suffrage movement also faced political opposition. Many powerful politicians, including President Woodrow Wilson, strongly opposed the amendment. These opponents argued that giving women the vote would upset the balance of power and lead to chaos.
7. Despite these challenges, the suffrage movement continued to grow. Many women were determined to win the right to vote, believing it was essential for achieving full equality in society. While women eventually succeeded in gaining the vote in 1920, their struggle highlighted the larger challenges many groups in America would continue to face in the fight for equal rights.

What is the purpose of reading this article? Explain why!

Answer 1

The purpose of reading this article is to gain an understanding of the multifaceted history of the women's suffrage movement in the United States, including the struggles, opposition, and eventual successes that defined this pivotal period.

1. Understanding Historical Context: The article outlines the long and challenging journey of women fighting for the right to vote, emphasizing that the struggle was not only against male opposition but also involved internal conflicts among women themselves. It provides a comprehensive overview of the factors that contributed to the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

2. Recognizing Internal Divisions: By discussing the views of anti-suffragists, including women who felt that politics was not a suitable role for them, the article highlights the complexities within the movement. This encourages readers to consider the varied perspectives that existed, including socioeconomic factors and differing beliefs about gender roles.

3. Acknowledging Intersectionality: The article points out the challenges faced by marginalized groups, such as African Americans and Native Americans, in the context of voting rights, illustrating that the fight for equality extends beyond gender. By mentioning racism within the suffrage movement, it encourages readers to reflect on intersectional issues related to race, class, and gender.

4. Learning About Political Opposition: The piece also sheds light on the political landscape of the time, detailing how significant figures opposed the suffrage movement. Understanding the political context enhances readers’ comprehension of how societal structures can resist progress and how advocacy efforts can evolve in response to challenges.

5. Inspiration for Ongoing Struggles: The article emphasizes that the fight for voting rights did not end in 1920, connecting historical struggles to contemporary issues faced by various groups today. This can inspire and inform readers about ongoing social justice movements, encouraging them to engage with current issues related to voting rights and equality.

In summary, reading this article serves to educate readers about the complexities of the women's suffrage movement, the challenges faced by those in the fight for voting rights, and the broader implications for equality in society. It aims to inform and inspire awareness and action regarding ongoing struggles for rights and representation.