A History of Women's Rights in America

The year 2020 brings with it the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting American women the right to vote, 144 years after Abigail Adams wrote her husband John Adams in 1776, urging that while drawing up a new Code of Laws for the colonies he should "remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors." It took long decades of struggle, protest and frequently physical abuse to obtain women's suffrage. In recognition of this important event, ushistory.org has brought together the composite history of people, places and events that have been a part of women's drive for inclusion and equality since the American Revolution. These sections from our US History Textbook are linked here for your convenience.

Help us launch Women's Lives/ American History to give a voice to women, from all walks of life, who've helped build this country, by supporting this project: