Harper-SusanBAnthony-1906

Page 1: Overview

  • Title: Susan B. Anthony: The Woman and Her Work

  • Author: Ida Husted Harper

  • Source: The North American Review, April 1906

  • Published by: University of Northern Iowa

  • Stable URL: JSTOR Article

Page 2: The Need for a Reformer

  • **Context of Women's Role:

    • Mid-19th century marked a shift needing reform for women.

    • Women were hindered by motherhood and domestic duties.

    • Opportunity for spiritual evolution and recognition of women's rights emerged.

  • **Initial Movement:

    • Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s call in 1848 catalyzed action among women.

    • Susan B. Anthony emerged as a central figure in women's emancipation.

Page 3: Anthony's Leadership Qualities

  • **Leadership Traits:

    • Exceptional planning, organizational skills, and political acumen.

    • Ability to rally and retain dedicated followers despite setbacks.

    • Devoted her life entirely to the women's rights movement, prioritizing it above personal interests.

Page 4: Early Life and Influences

  • **Background:

    • Born February 15, 1820, in Adams, Massachusetts.

    • Comes from a well-off family with English roots involved in Quaker traditions.

  • **Influence of Family:

    • Father advocated for women’s education and independence.

    • Encountered a commercial panic that impacted family livelihood.

Page 5: Education and Initial Activism

  • **Teaching Career:

    • Worked as a teacher until age 30.

    • Became active in temperance movements due to lack of public roles for women.

    • Collaborated with Stanton to form a women-only temperance society.

Page 6: Legal and Social Challenges

  • **Legal Limitations on Women:

    • Women had no legal existence in marriage; could not own property, enter contracts, etc.

    • The campaign to gain electoral rights was pivotal as it would allow legal reforms.

Page 7: Formation of Organizations

  • **Establishing the National Woman Suffrage Association:

    • In 1869, helped form the first National organization for women's suffrage.

    • Continued active participation in its development and success.

Page 8: Support for Abolitionism

  • **Involvement in Abolition Movement:

    • Anthony worked alongside prominent abolitionists to fight against slavery.

    • Helped organize petitions and support for the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865.

Page 9: Opposition from Former Allies

  • Conflict After Thirteenth Amendment:

    • Discovery of plans to enfranchise only newly freed men led to protests from Anthony and Stanton.

    • Faced opposition from many who previously supported women's suffrage.

Page 10: Congressional Appeals

  • Advocacy for Women’s Vote:

    • Presented logical, passionate arguments to Congress for suffrage amendments.

    • Struggled against the belief that women's rights should wait.

Page 11: Anthony’s Trial

  • Voting Arrest:

    • In 1872, Anthony voted and was subsequently arrested for illegal voting.

    • Trial showcased injustices against women and highlighted her legal arguments.

Page 12: Impact of the Trial

  • Court's Verdict:

    • She was declared guilty without being allowed to testify on her intentions.

    • Anthony refused to pay the unjust fine and maintained her stance against the verdict.

Page 13: Legacy and Writing

  • Authorship and Preservation:

    • Anthony was instrumental in the multi-volume "History of Woman Suffrage.”

    • Documented the evolution of women's rights and preserved essential records.

Page 14: Lasting Influence

  • Global Contributions:

    • Established the International Council of Women.

    • Celebrated her contributions and life on her 86th birthday before passing shortly after.