Essay --

The suffrage movement first emerged at the phone number of the century and Civil War when African American slaves were denied the right to vote, a benefit that a majority agreed was associated with citizenship, and therefore should be relevant to all freed slaves. This set the grounds for a suffrage movement that posterior evolved into a larger issue centered on antislavery reform. Joining unitedly to fight for benefits that were being withheld from American citizens, the role of women came into play during this time as the most active abolitionists who came together to organize petitions, conventions, and raise funds to help oneself further the movement. Women played a vital role in being heard through protests and local publications of their thoughts. Novels such as Uncle Toms Cabin and Clotel, along with articles in popular news publications, shed lots light and attention on anti-slavery reform, while also sparking the inspiration for womens rights (Britton, 2006). As this m ovement was slowly developing, women continued to fight for anti-slavery reform. During this, opponents to women participation in the efforts came forth and voiced their own critical opinions. Around 1837, the General tie of Congregational Ministers of Massachusetts had issued their Pastoral Letter, a response to the political military action of the Grimkes, two sisters who were heavily active and public in their fight for anti-slavery reform. In this letter, the ministers urged women to reject stepping out of the public sphere and to instead embrace the private, encouraging the cultivation of private Christian character, and private efforts for the spiritual good of individuals (General Association, 2006). In response to these views, Susan Grimke challenged the le... ...of the electoral vote in critical swing states unavoidable for Obamas reelection victory (Casserly, 2012). Candidates now address issues entirely centered on womens needs and concerns, knowing any win is impossi ble without wear of female voters. This validates the current power women hold in the political demesne today, and the impact their voice has made to society since being granted the freedom to vote. Through the use of messages such as public conventions, speeches, literary pieces, publish works, unions, groups, and memorabilia, the suffrage movements goal of achieving equal voting rights for women to be the same as men can be credited as providing the stomping grounds for women to seek a stronger hand in society and to the organic evolution of womens rights to include equal freedoms to men in arenas such as education, the work force, and military involvement.