American Women in History

Abstract

At one time women were denied the same beliefs we in the year 2004, take for granted in the United States of America. We all strive to live in a nation of religious freedoms. We have the ability to elect the government we support with taxes from monies we earn. We live free, with out the threat of enslavement. Over the past seventy years, significant social and legal changes have been accomplished regarding women. Women have come together to make changes through meetings, petition drives, lobbying, public speaking, and nonviolent resistance. They have worked to create a life that is full and fulfilling for women of all ages, everywhere.

The History of Women in America

In March of 1776, Abigail Adams, the wife of the United States second president John Adams, wrote one of her most famous letters to her husband, she insisted that in the constitution women have equal rights.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (seated) with Susan B. Anth...

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Portrait of Elizabeth Cady Stanton with her sons D...

She wrote, "" Remember the Ladies... If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies we are determined to foment a rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation." He did not listen to her. The women's movement ultimately began there.

In the writing of the Constitution of the United States of America, women were not considered. In fact, they lost rights they had once had. Women were unable to vote, deprived of property rights, denied custody rights to their children, they were unable to sign legal documents, and were barred from testifying in court. Despite the Constitution's failure to grant legal rights to women or more to the point, because of it, an organized women's movement had appeared by the 1830's. (Cappon, Lester J., ed.)

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was an informed and politically astute...