A Movement of Women

Progressive Movement

A. Began at state and local levels1. “Wisconsin Idea” ~ Bob LaFollette

B. Philosophy1. pragmatism ~ “Trial and Error”

C. Examples of state reforms (which often became law at the national level)1. state income tax2. direct primary

I. "Grassroots" Movement

A. Restore control of government to the common man (Political)

B. Correct abuses caused by industry restoring equality of economic opportunity (Economic)

C. Correct injustices in American society (Social)

II. Three Aims of Progressives

A. Use the government to achieve social and economic goals

B. Unfortunately…1. urban (city) governments

often very corrupt2. state and federal government

often very pro-business

III. Liberal Movement

A. Susan B. Anthony ~ women’s suffrage

B. Jane Addams ~ settlement houses

C. Margaret Sanger ~ birth control advocate

D. Florence Kelley ~ anti-child labor

IV. A Movement of Women

Liberal Philosophy:“Making change through

the government”

Difficult if you’re a woman because you

can’t vote!

Despite this, women led the progressive movement

WHY?Not content with traditional household role

Wanted to expand their roles in the community; participate in public life

Education armed them with modern ideas

Ready to tackle problems they saw in society

Victories!Muller v. Oregon

Supported laws limiting women’s work hours

National Consumers League

National Association of Colored Women

Temperance MovementLed by Women’s Christian Temperance Union18th Amendment

SUFFRAGE!!!!

But the biggest victory would

be…

Ultimately… women’s suffrage relied on men!

WHY?

Who could pass suffrage laws??

Congress!(All male, except one

female rep from Montana)

Not all men were convinced women

should vote…… here are their

arguments

ReligiousSome biblical passages say men are the

heads of households and women should be submissive

at home, in church, and in

society

Historical/Tradition

women in the past did not have the

vote; granting them the vote now would

be a dangerous innovation

Naturalnature places women in the home; women

should not compete with

or in the “man’s

kingdom”

Biologicalwomen are

innately inferior, both mentally and physically;

voting would strain their biological

capabilities

Sexual

women naturally wish to be

dominated by men; therefore, suffragists are “man-haters”

DomesticIf women vote, they won’t pay

attention to their

housework; who will care for the

men and children

Moralwomen are too

moral and ladylike for the rough world of politics; they are “angels of

the home”

Women Fight for the Right to Vote

Only way to make sure govt. would protect children, foster education, and support family life

Carrie Chapman Catt ~ “Two-front” tactic1. Pressure Congress to pass an amendment2. Use new referendum process to pass state suffrage laws

“Society Plan” ~ Recruit wealthy, educated women of all ethnicities

Alice Paul – public protests outside the White HouseMany women were arrested – hunger strikes

19th Amendment!

Women Win the Right to Vote!!

American Women Vote for the 1st time in 1920!