Historical Events tagged with "women's rights"

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.

Exploration & Discovery

Nellie Bly Begins Epic World Journey

November 14th, 1889 135 years ago

Nellie Bly, a groundbreaking female journalist, embarked on a remarkable journey to circumnavigate the globe in less than 80 days. Starting her trip at the docks of Hoboken, New Jersey, she aimed to beat the fictional record set by Jules Verne's character Phileas Fogg. Bly's adventurous spirit and determination captured the imagination of the public, as she traveled through numerous countries, facing various challenges and reporting her experiences. Her successfully completed journey in just 72 days garnered widespread acclaim and solidified her legacy as a pioneering figure in journalism and women's rights.

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Politics & Government

Susanna M. Salter Becomes First Female Mayor

April 4th, 1887 137 years ago

In Argonia, Kansas, Susanna M. Salter made history by becoming the first female mayor in the United States. Elected unexpectedly, her candidacy was launched as a prank by local ballot opponents, who believed no woman would ever win. Salter's victory challenged societal norms and highlighted women's growing political influence.

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Education & Academia

Founding of Spelman College in Atlanta

April 11th, 1881 143 years ago

Spelman College was established in Atlanta as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary to provide higher education for African-American women. The institution arose from the need to empower and educate women who faced significant barriers due to race and gender. It was founded by a group of Baptist women, including Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles, who were committed to creating opportunities for young African-American women in a post-Civil War South. The seminary aimed to provide them not only with academic knowledge but also with life skills that would help them improve their communities.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Founding of Arya Samaj by Dayananda Saraswati

April 10th, 1875 149 years ago

Swami Dayananda Saraswati established the Arya Samaj in Mumbai to promote social reforms based on Vedic principles. This organization aimed to counteract the social inequalities and caste discrimination prevalent in society, advocating for women's rights, education, and the rejection of superstitions. Through its teachings and outreach, Arya Samaj sought to uplift society and reform Hindu practices.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Women's Voting Rights Protest Leads to Arrests

November 18th, 1872 152 years ago

Susan B. Anthony and 14 other women were arrested for voting illegally in the United States presidential election. They cast their votes in Rochester, New York, as a deliberate protest against the exclusion of women from the electoral process. Their actions were an important step in the women’s suffrage movement, advocating for women's rights to participate fully in democracy. The arrests garnered national attention and highlighted the ongoing struggle for female enfranchisement.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Susan B. Anthony Votes Illegally for Suffrage

November 5th, 1872 152 years ago

Susan B. Anthony, a prominent suffragist, voted in the 1872 U.S. presidential election, defying the law which prohibited women from voting. Voting in Rochester, New York, she sought to challenge and draw attention to the unfair voting laws faced by women. Following her act of defiance, she was arrested and later fined $100 for casting her ballot. Her actions sparked widespread dialogue about women's rights and suffrage.

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Politics & Government

Victoria Woodhull's Presidential Nomination

May 10th, 1872 152 years ago

Victoria Woodhull was nominated for President by the Equal Rights Party, making her the first woman to receive a presidential nomination in the United States. Her candidacy emerged at a time when women's suffrage was gaining attention, and she campaigned on a platform advocating for women's rights, labor reforms, and social welfare. Woodhull's nomination took place at a convention held in New York City, where she delivered a powerful speech addressing issues such as women's rights and economic justice.

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Education & Academia

Founding of Girton College, Cambridge

October 16th, 1869 155 years ago

Girton College was established as England's first residential college for women, aiming to provide higher education and opportunities. Founded in Cambridge, it emerged from a movement advocating for women's academic access. Under the leadership of Emily Davies and other supporters, Girton aimed to remove barriers to women's education in a time when such pursuits were often discouraged. The college provided a supportive environment for female scholars and laid the groundwork for future educational reforms.

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Politics & Government

Wyoming Territory Established by Congress

July 25th, 1868 156 years ago

The Wyoming Territory was formally established, creating a new administrative region in the United States. This significant development stemmed from efforts to organize vast lands in the west to facilitate settlement and governance, largely fueled by the migration patterns following the Civil War. With Cheyenne named as the capital, the territory became a centerpiece for population growth, resource exploitation, and the pursuit of statehood. The establishment of Wyoming Territory represented a crucial step in the U.S. westward expansion, highlighting the economic and social dynamics of the post-war era.

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