19th Amendment 1920: Women Win Voting Rights — Reading Comprehension

The ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920 marked a crucial turning point in American history. For decades, women in the United States organized, protested, and advocated for the right to vote, also known as suffrage. Their fight was not simple or uncontested. It involved intense debates, shifting alliances, and passionate arguments from both supporters and opponents.

Many women, like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, argued that denying women the vote was a violation of the nation’s founding principles. They pointed to the Declaration of Independence, which declared that “all men are created equal,” and challenged why women were excluded from this equality. Opponents, however, insisted that women’s roles were at home and that political participation would disrupt traditional society. These differing perspectives fueled a nationwide debate about the meaning of citizenship and democracy.

The problem was deeply rooted in American society. By the late 1800s, only a few states in the West allowed women to vote. Most women were barred from the polls by state laws. The suffragists used a variety of strategies to seek change. Some organized peaceful marches and wrote letters to lawmakers. Others, like Alice Paul, adopted more confrontational tactics, such as picketing the White House. These actions often led to arrests and imprisonment, revealing the risks activists faced. A primary source from Alice Paul stated, “It is unthinkable that a nation which fought for liberty should deny it to its own citizens.” This quote captures the contradiction between American ideals and the reality faced by women.

World War I created new opportunities for women. As men went off to fight, women took on jobs in factories, offices, and farms, proving their abilities far beyond domestic duties. Their contributions made it difficult for the public and politicians to ignore their demands for equal rights. President Woodrow Wilson, who was initially hesitant, eventually supported the suffrage amendment, arguing that denying women the vote was unjust.

Despite this progress, the movement was not united. Some suffragists disagreed over tactics or feared that the amendment would not help all women equally. Many African American and Native American women faced continued discrimination even after the 19th Amendment passed. Some white suffragists excluded women of color from their organizations, showing that the movement reflected both progress and prejudice.

The 19th Amendment was finally passed by Congress in 1919 and sent to the states for approval. On August 18, 1920, Tennessee became the crucial 36th state to approve the amendment, making it law. The wording was simple: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged… on account of sex.” This law expanded the definition of democracy and set the stage for future movements for equality.

The passage of the 19th Amendment did not solve all problems. Many women, especially women of color, continued to face obstacles such as poll taxes and literacy tests. However, the amendment represented a major step toward fulfilling the nation’s promises of liberty and representation. It inspired future generations to continue fighting for justice and equality in American society.

Interesting Fact: In the first election after the 19th Amendment, millions of women voted for the first time, changing the political landscape of the United States forever.

When was the 19th Amendment ratified?

Who was a famous suffragist leader?

Which state ratified the amendment last?

Why did some oppose women's suffrage?

What did World War I change for women?

What does the quote from Alice Paul show?

All women could vote freely after 1920. True or false?

What is suffrage?