Historical Events tagged with "suffrage"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Canadian Women Petition for Legal Personhood

August 27th, 1927 97 years ago

Five Canadian women filed a petition to the Supreme Court of Canada, questioning whether the term 'persons' in Section 24 of the British North America Act, 1867, included women. The petition was a groundbreaking move to challenge the legal status of women in Canada, led by prominent suffragist Nellie McClung and her colleagues. This action sought to elevate the status of women legally, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in constitutional law. Their efforts marked a significant step in the women's rights movement in Canada, raising public awareness and sparking discussions on women’s equality.

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Politics & Government

Nellie Tayloe Ross Becomes First Female Governor

January 5th, 1925 100 years ago

Nellie Tayloe Ross was sworn in as governor of Wyoming, making her the first woman to hold such an office in the United States. She succeeded her late husband, William B. Ross, highlighting the increasing role of women in politics during the early 20th century. Her election came as a response to a desire for effective leadership in the state, demonstrating the shifting political landscape following the suffrage movement. This event marked a significant moment in Wyoming's and the nation's political history.

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Politics & Government

Rebecca Latimer Felton becomes first female Senator

November 21st, 1922 102 years ago

Rebecca Latimer Felton took the oath of office as a United States Senator, marking a significant milestone in American political history. Representing Georgia, she served briefly and was the first woman to hold such an office. Appointed to fill a vacancy, Felton’s tenure lasted just 24 hours, yet her presence in the Senate symbolized the slow progress of women in politics and the increasing empowerment of women during the early 20th century as they began to exercise their rights more fully in a male-dominated political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Supreme Court Upholds Women's Voting Rights

February 27th, 1922 103 years ago

In the case of Leser v. Garnett, the Supreme Court faced a challenge to the Nineteenth Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. The Court's ruling confirmed the validity of the amendment, affirming the legality of women's suffrage in the United States. The case emerged from a dispute regarding the voting rights of women in Maryland, where opponents questioned the amendment's constitutionality. The ruling emphasized the importance of women's participation in the democratic process.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Certification of the 19th Amendment

August 26th, 1920 104 years ago

The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was certified, granting women the right to vote. This momentous decision was the culmination of a long struggle for women's suffrage, driven by activists and reformers advocating for gender equality in voting rights. The amendment was officially certified by Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby after being passed by Congress and ratified by the states, marking a pivotal shift in American democracy. This achievement not only empowered women but also symbolized the broader movement for social justice in the United States.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Women Granted the Right to Vote

August 18th, 1920 104 years ago

The ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment marked a pivotal moment in American history, as it extended the right to vote to women across the United States. This significant achievement followed decades of activism and advocacy by suffragists who fought tirelessly for equality in voting rights. The amendment's passage culminated in a nationwide celebration among supporters, symbolizing a breakthrough in the struggle for women's suffrage and contributing to broader movements for gender equality.

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Politics & Government

Nancy Astor speaks in House of Commons

February 24th, 1920 105 years ago

Nancy Astor made history as the first woman to address the House of Commons, marking a significant milestone in UK politics. Having been elected as a Member of Parliament three months prior, she stood in the historic chamber to give her speech, representing a shift toward greater female involvement in government. Her presence underscored the changing perceptions of women's roles in public life, influenced by the suffrage movement and the aftermath of World War I.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Sex Disqualification Act Becomes Law

December 23rd, 1919 105 years ago

The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 became law in the United Kingdom, allowing women to enter professions from which they had previously been barred due to gender. This major legislative change came after years of advocacy from women's rights activists, and it is considered a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality. The Act enabled women to serve on juries, hold public office, and work in professions like law and medicine, which had been predominantly male-dominated fields.

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Politics & Government

Lady Astor Takes Her Seat in Parliament

December 1st, 1919 105 years ago

Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor, became the first woman to sit in the House of Commons after being elected as a Conservative MP for Plymouth Sutton. Her election on November 28, 1919, came after women over 30 gained the right to vote in the UK earlier that year. This moment marked a significant step forward in women's representation in British politics, as she officially took her seat in the Commons on December 1, 1919, taking up her office and becoming a pivotal figure for female politicians.

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