American Folk Heroine

Susan Brownell Anthony Fought for Women

Susan B. Anthony was an American social reformer who is known for her active role in women’s rights movement. This American feminist, born into a Quaker household (February 15, 1820- March 13, 1906) fought for the eradication of slavery and implementation of social equality.

In her social activities Susan B. Anthony founded the New York Women’s State Temperance in the year 1852. In 1863, she founded the Women’s Loyal National League and collected 400,000 signatures against slavery. She fought for equal rights for women as well as African-Americans and established the American Equal Rights Association. Her credit also include being publisher of the newspaper, “The Revolution” which hailed her position on women’s rights.

Ironically she was arrested in 1872 for her campaign to secure voting rights for women. She was convicted at the end of a trial in her hometown of Rochester and even though she refused to pay the fine imposed by the court, the authorities did not take any action.

Here are only a few of her better-known efforts:

The Anthony Amendment

Susan B. Anthony and her life-long friend and fellow suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton presented an amendment to the American Congress in 1920 that provided women with the right to vote.

International Council for Women

As founder of the Council she undertook extensive travels to support women’s rights movement in the US and abroad, delivering at 100 speeches in a year.

Married Women’s Property Act

Her first time at the National Women’s Conventions was in 1850. It was held New York and she became one of the secretaries. Through it she launched a statewide campaign to seek more property rights for women who are married. In the year 1860, the amended Married Women’s Property Act was approved by the legislature. It provided married women the right for separate property and the right to enter into contracts and become joint guardian of their children.

Anti-slavery campaign

She opposed the gag rule that prohibited petitions against slavery in the US House of Representatives. As part of her campaign, at the age of 16, she collected petitions against gag rule. By1851, she had organized the anti-slavery convention in Rochester, New York.

This American folk heroine was known for her courage even in the face of personal threat. Prior to Civil War opposition to her movement rotten eggs, knives and pistols were thrown at her in the Syracuse meeting place.

She was tireless in her efforts and deep in her vision. Committed to what she perceived justice to be she made her mark on behalf of others.

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Folk Heroes and Heroines