Summary
Highlights
John Green introduces the topic of women in the Progressive Era, emphasizing that women are individuals, not possessions, and demanded to be seen as full citizens. He highlights the period between 1890 and 1920 as the 'women's era' due to increased economic and political opportunities.
By 1900, nearly 5 million women worked for wages, primarily in domestic service or light manufacturing. Women were active reformers, with the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) being a prominent organization. Under Frances Willard's leadership, the WCTU advocated for women's suffrage to aid in their temperance efforts, stating, 'Politics is the place for woman.'
The Progressive Era saw an expansion of educational opportunities for middle and upper-class women, who became leaders in new movements. The rise of mass consumer society and new technologies, like washing machines, impacted women's lives. More women worked outside the home, particularly in office work and as telephone operators, which fostered a sense of independence and challenged traditional patriarchal family structures.
Birth control advocates like Margaret Sanger and Emma Goldman fought for women's right to limit pregnancies and enjoy sex without having children. This movement sparked debates on free speech, public health, and brought together women across different social classes. Jane Addams also spearheaded the Settlement House movement, establishing Hull House and playing a crucial role in social work.
Women were already voting in many Western states before the 19th Amendment. The suffrage movement, led by organizations like NAWSA and the more radical National Women's Party under Alice Paul, used various tactics, including protests and hunger strikes, to pressure the government. World War I ultimately helped the cause, as women's patriotic service convinced many to support their right to vote, leading to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
The passage of the 19th Amendment was somewhat anti-climactic, overshadowed by Prohibition. Alice Paul's push for an Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) failed due to opposition from other women's groups concerned about losing hard-won benefits. Despite this, the period between 1890 and 1920 was a significant era for women's rights and political activism, increasing their autonomy and freedom, and demonstrating that rights are fought for, not given.