HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 4 Living History HIS FPX 1150 U.S. History: How the Past Informs the Present

Prof. Name:

Date

Living History

Dear Friend,

I am writing from New York City, where I have resided for the past few years. You are likely aware of the women’s suffrage movement that is gaining momentum both nationally and globally. This movement advocates for women’s political rights, such as voting and holding office, and is part of the broader cause of women’s rights. Numerous other privileges, such as the ability to own land, pursue an education, engage in specific occupations, and be granted formal custody of their children, were also denied to women (Britannica, 2023).

HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 4 Living History

I have been involved in this movement since I was a young girl. I recall reading about Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who, in 1848, in Seneca Falls, New York, convened the first women’s rights conference. They established a Declaration of Sentiments demanding equal rights for women in voting, land ownership, education, and work. They proclaimed that all men and women are created equal (Britannica, 2023).

Since then, many courageous women have fought for the right to vote through petitions, demonstrations, marches, talks, campaigning, acts of civil disobedience, and even imprisonment (History.com Editors, n.d.). Some well-known leaders include Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Alice Paul, Carrie Chapman Catt, and Ida B. Wells (History.com Editors, n.d.). Others, like myself, are ordinary women who believe in our right to have a voice in our government.

The movement has faced many obstacles and opposition from those who believe that women should remain at home and that only men should have the right to vote. Within our ranks, there have also been conflicts over race, wealth, and strategies. Despite these challenges, we have never lost hope or courage.

This year marks a historic milestone for us. After decades of struggle, Congress finally passed the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote nationwide. On August 18th, 1920, several states ratified it (History.com Editors, n.d.). This means we can cast our ballots for the first time in this year’s presidential election!

I am thrilled to be part of this momentous change. The suffrage movement has had a personal impact on my family and me. It has given me a sense of purpose and empowerment, a chance to express my opinions and interests, and an opportunity to meet other like-minded women who share my vision for a better society. For example, the women’s rights movement raised standards for women and opened doors to traditionally male-dominated fields like law, medicine, the church, and business (Zhao, 2021).

HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 4 Living History

The movement has also challenged me to balance my work and family life as a working mother. I work as a teacher at a public school, where I strive to educate young girls about their rights and potential. I also have two children, a boy and a girl, who support my cause. My husband is also supportive, although he sometimes worries about my safety and reputation.

The suffrage movement has taught me that much work remains to achieve equality for women. Voting is only one aspect of our rights; we also need equal pay, education, representation, legal protection, and freedom from violence and discrimination (Amnesty International, 2022). For instance, assault, abuse, disparate treatment, and a lack of opportunities are just a few examples of how women, non-binary people, and trans people face discrimination and unequal treatment (Oxfam International, 2019).

We must also work with other groups facing oppression and injustice based on race, class, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. We need to build alliances and solidarity with them to create a more inclusive and democratic society.

I believe the suffrage movement will positively impact future generations of women. It will inspire them to pursue their dreams and ambitions without fear or doubt. It will empower them to participate actively in civic life and social change. It will show them they can make history by challenging injustice and demanding equality.

I hope you will join me in celebrating this historic victory for women’s rights. And I hope you will join me in continuing the fight for more rights for everyone.

References

Amnesty International. (2022). Women’s Rights. Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/discrimination/womens-rights/

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. (2020, September 25). Causes and Effects of Women’s Suffrage in the United States. Encyclopedia Britannica.