Women Throughout American History

Women have played important roles in the significant events that occurred throughout American history. During the 1770's, women boycotted tea and British-made clothing in order to protest against the British during the American Revolution. As the country developed, women grew aware of the inequality between men and women. So, in 1848, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott launched the first women's suffrage movement at the Seneca Falls Convention in New York. At the convention, Elizabeth Cady Stanton introduced the Declaration of Sentiments, which demanded greater rights for women. After more than 50 years of protesting and organizing, women finally won the right to vote when the Nineteenth Amendment was made. However, as women entered the workforce, another problem arose during the mid-1900s: unequal pay for equal work. In response, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was conceived. Although the ERA was supported by millions, many were afraid that the amendment would promote unwanted change. Thus, the ERA was not ratified for the Consitution. Despite the fact that the ERA was not ratified, women have achieved strong positions in America. In the 107th Congress (January 3, 2001 to January 3, 2003), 60 women were in the House of Representatives, and 13 women were in the Senate.

Written by Angela