This week marks the 100-year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which declared:
“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied…on account of sex.”
It is often written that this action gave women the right to vote. In reality, they fought, some with their lives for over 70 years to take what they were entitled to. The battle literally involved multiple generations of amazing women. It should be noted, this amendment granted the vote to white women only, not women of color.
As there have been countless articles and exhibits celebrating this milestone, for something a bit different, here is a selection of political cartoons focused on the suffrage movement and the ratification. Collectively, they paint a descriptive picture of the political climate in which the struggle was waged. The title itself provides a glimpse into public perception:
Saints or Monsters: Political Cartoons of the 19th Amendment
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nashvillepubliclibrary/albums/72157713246543448/
The link below presents a powerful timeline of the evolution of women’s accomplishments, concluding with the selection of Kamala Harris, as Vice Presidential candidate.
The 19th Amendment: 100 Years and Counted: Arizona State University 3:02
Enjoy.
