Women - turning points Flashcards
(42 cards)
When was Minor v. Happersett and what was it?
1875
A SC case that resulted in the right of suffrage not being protected under the 14th Am.
Virginia Minor (NWSA) registered to vote in 1872. Was denied and decided to challenge the decision in court.
What impact did Minor v. Happersett have?
Put an end to attempts to gain voting rights and made it seem like a hopeless cause.
It meant campaigners had to change the constitution.
It was a major setback for women.
Why was Minor v. Happersett not a major tp?
It was reversed and over ruled by the 19th AM. in 1920. It was not long term.
What was NAWSA and when was it set up?
Set up 1890 when NWSA and AWSA merged.
The members were campaigning for women’s right to vote.
What impact did NAWSA have?
At first there were no major changes and it achieved little. It also didn’t help all women.
However it eventually led in part to the 19th Am. which made women’s right to vote part of the constitution. Became the League of Women voters.
How significant was NAWSA politically?
- Major organisation
- Led to women getting the vote - their aim
- 20 states allowed women to vote by 1918 - before 19th Am.
How significant was NAWSA in terms of socio-cultural change?
Demonstrated women could have roles in politics.
What limitations were there of NAWSA?
It takes 30yrs and WW1 for them to achieve any significant change.
Only 5% of NAWSA members go on to join LWV.
Doesn’t change social views of women.
When was the 19th Am. and what was it?
1920
Made women’s vote a constitutional right.
It was a measure of the role women took on during WW1.
What was the impact of the 19th Am.?
The impact was not immediate and it didn’t affect all women - AA women couldn’t vote.
It encouraged political involvement from women and there was a visible increase of women in politics. It couldn’t be reversed and it led to radical feminism in the 70s.
How was the 19th Am. significant politically?
- By 1957, men and women were voting in equal no.s
- There were fairer attitudes/rights for women
How was the 19th Am. significant in terms of socio-cultural change?
- Brought women into public life more
- 1921-9 Shepard T Act = fed. funding for maternity and childcare
What were the limitations of the 19th Am.?
- Didn’t bring lots of women into politics
- Often voted w/ their hubands
- The 1st election women could in 1920, only 36% of women could vote compared to 68% of men
- There were divisions between women about women voting
When was WW2 and how was it significant for women?
1942-5
It gave women the opportunity to show that they were capable of being mothers and having a job.
There were 5 million more women in the workforce in 1945 than there was in 1940.
What was the economic significance of WW2 for women?
- 5 mil more in jobs
- 1/3 working outside of the house
What were the economic limitations of WW2 for women?
- Backlash for women working as well as looking after the home
- GI Bill of rights - returning soldiers into jobs and women pushed out
- In the 8 weeks after peace was announced 800,000 women lost their jobs
Was there any political change due to womens part in WW2?
No. of women in state governments rose from 144 in 1939 to 228 in 1945.
There was little national change.
Was there any socio-cultural change for women as a result of WW2?
‘Rosie and the Riveter’ shows strength of women
More temporary childcare options available for women so they could work.
No long term gains - 1950s lost any gains they had made.
Still expected to fill female roles.
When was the Pill approved by the FDA and what was the immediate impact on women?
1960
Created by Margaret Sanger
Available to all women over 18 in the 1970s
Only given to married women at first
What was the impact of the Pill?
A big change that affected all women. Gave them choice.
Long lasting impacts that meant more career opportunities, sexual freedom and fewer children.
It was enhanced by Roe v. Wade in 1973 - abortion.
How was the Pill politically significant for women?
By 1986, 56% of women saw themselves as feminists.
There were more political careers for women.
How was the Pill economically significant for women?
- Women can focus on work instead of children
- Women richer
- Can take more advantage of educational and job opportunities
- Increase of women in top jobs
- Career development - promotions, managers
How did the Pill not help women economically?
Didn’t improve equality in the workplace.
What was the socio-cultural significance of the Pill?
- Could get married later
- More sexual freedom
- Choice to have children
