Women Win the Vote: LWV Celebrates 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage

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2020 marks one hundred years since the official ratification of the 19th amendment in 36 states, making nationwide history as the right to vote was extended to women after a 72-year struggle. Suffragists had been a positive force in American society well before 1920 by continuously confronting systems of power, even in the face of public criticism and ridicule. Despite their public treatment, these activists had strong support from family and friends; those who knew them knew they were working for a better life, especially for women. Additionally, many suffragists’ biggest supporters were their husbands, fathers, and brothers. Many young suffragists were inspired to take action because their fathers or other male family members were politically active. Many suffragists attributed familial support to their willingness to persevere in the face of adversity; despite this support, women’s suffrage was still a grassroots movement with little backing from wealthy men, businesses or politicians.

The League of Women Voters was a response to the overwhelming number of women with new responsibilities as voters. It encouraged them to use their newfound power to get involved with public policy and advocacy. It was first conceptualized by Carrie Chapman Catt, and officially founded in Chicago in 1920, just six months before the 19th amendment was ratified. The League quickly spread nationwide, and by 1924, there were Leagues organized in 346 of 433 congressional districts. The Oklahoma chapter of the League of Women Voters was founded in 2012 and has been engaging with Oklahoma communities ever since. The Stillwater chapter was established in 1946 in members’ homes. They are hosting a centennial event on Thursday, February 13 to commemorate both the 100th birthdays of the 19th amendment and the founding of the LWV.

The Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar is featuring a year-long exhibit in honor of both anniversaries and will be on display through March 1, 2021. In partnership with the Stillwater chapter, there will be a video presentation and discussion at the museum on March 1, 2020 at 2pm.

 Rachel Seitz

Seitz is an Oklahoma native and OSU student. She is helping to preserve and promote Stillwater history through a Stillwater History Museum internship using her skills as a writer.

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What I Learned from Our Third Graders

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