I submitted this: Although the reform movements in the US broadly encompassed the efforts to expand and secure the rights and liberties of many disenfranchised individuals and groups in the country, women played one of the most prominent and significant roles in the overall success of these movements. Up until the beginning of the 19th century, women in the United States did not have the legal right to vote and therefore participate in the country’s political system which ultimately governed everyone’s lives under it (“Women’s Suffrage in the Progressive Era”). However, thanks to the immense dedication and efforts of various women’s groups throughout the 18th century, women managed to achieve suffrage and establish themselves as equal members of society to their male counterparts. Another reason for the immense importance and influence of women during the reform era is that they were socially inclusive in their efforts, meaning that they truly believed in equality for everyone, and thus their movements did not discriminate or exclude other women based on their skin color, ethnicity, religion, or social status (Cohen). Therefore, women played a vital role in promoting the implementation of America’s core values of freedom, justice, and liberty, which until then only truly applied to those who were male, white, and of high social standings. Thanks to their efforts, the women who initiated the reform movements served to directly inspire and encourage many other social groups across the country to also seek their rights through greater political participation and representation (Lange). Although there is still a lot of progress to be made – such as reducing the economic inequalities and wage gaps between both genders – women have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future activists.
And was asked to follow up with this:
What do you feel is the single most significant failure associated with the reform movement, and why?
Please answer this question. these are the past sources if you want them.
Cohen, Miriam. “Women and the Progressive Movement.” The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, 2019, https://www.gilderlehrman.org/node/7966.
Lange, Allison. “Female Reformers in the Progressive Era.” Crusade for the Vote, 2015, http://www.crusadeforthevote.org/progressive-era-reformers.
“Women’s Suffrage in the Progressive Era.” Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/progressive-era-to-new-era-1900-1929/womens-suffrage-in-progressive-era/. Accessed 22 July 2022.
