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It was 72 years from the Seneca Falls convention in 1848 to the passage of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote.
Here are some of the highlights of the women’s suffrage movement.
1790
New Jersey grants the right to vote to “all free inhabitants” of the state. ▶
1648
◀ When wealthy property-owner Margaret Brent asks for the right to vote in Maryland, she is denied.
1807
New Jersey women lose the vote. The repeal is sponsored by a politician who nearly lost an election due to a group of women who all voted the same way.
1839
Mississippi is the first state to pass an act that gives married women the right to own property. ▶
1848
◀ More than 300 men and women attend a women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. The Declaration of Sentiments is read and approved here.
1850
The first National Woman’s Rights Convention is held in Worcester, Massachusetts. It draws more than 1,000 delegates, some of whom have come from as far away as California. ▶
1869
The National Woman Suffrage Association and the American Woman Suffrage Association are formed.
1871
Victoria Woodhull becomes the first woman in U.S. history to speak before a committee of Congress. She argues that women already have the right to vote, since the 14th and 15th Amendments granted that right to all citizens. She says that Congress just has to pass a declaratory act to make it law. Congress denies her claim. ▶
1869
◀ The territory of Wyoming passes a law that gives women the right to vote.
1872
About 150 women attempt to vote in the presidential election. Susan B. Anthony actually casts a ballot, and is arrested for voting. ▶
1872
◀ Victoria Woodhull becomes the first woman to run for president of the United States.
1878
◀ An amendment to give women the vote goes before Congress but fails to pass. Supporters vow to introduce what is known as the Anthony Amendment every year until it passes.
1882
The Massachusetts Association Opposed to Further Extension of Suffrage to Women is established. Headed by seven women, it is the first antisuffrage organization. ▶
1890
◀ The NWSA and AWSA join to become the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).
1890
Wyoming becomes a state, which makes it the first state to allow women to vote.
1918
The Anthony Amendment passes in the House of Representatives, but the Senate doesn’t pass it. ▶
1916
◀ Jeannette Rankin of Montana becomes the first female member of Congress. She spends two years in office, but in 1940, she is re-elected and serves a second term.
1920
On June 4, the Anthony Amendment (now called the 19th Amendment) is passed in the Senate. On August 18, Tennessee becomes the 36th state to ratify it, making it a U.S. law.
