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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

VOTES FOR WOMEN

Today's the 89th anniversary of the 19th Amendment - granting women in the US the right to vote. It had been a battle fought for many years with no progress, but finally the day came. Famous women were arrested for attempting to vote prior to the amendment, protested in various forms including outside the White House, were thrown in jail and force fed after going on a hunger strike, led a march of protest during Woodrow Wilson's inauguration and fought amongst themselves as to tactics that would work in persuading men to join their cause. The right to vote started with the Seneca Falls Convention on July 19-20th 1848. Thirty years later, the issue finally made it's way to congress. Hundreds of men and women fought for theif beliefs including Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Carrie Chapman Catt, and Alice Paul.


It all gave down to one man - when the votes were tied Harry Burns voted yes beacuse his mother urged him too!

As something near and dear to my heart, I'm happy that such brave women (and men) fought for our equality even though it was such a long hard road.

For more info - read a biography of one of these daring women or watch the movie
IRON JAWED ANGELS

Here's to Women!



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