Susan B. Anthony, United States activist, 1820-1906

In 1872 Susan Anthony did the then unheard of. She demanded that women be given the same civil and political rights that had been extended to black males under the 14th and 15th amendments. She proceeded to lead a group of women to the Rochester polls to test the rights of women voters. She was arrested two weeks later and while waiting for her trial, she went on highly publicized lecture tours. In 1873, she tried to vote again in city elections. After being tried and convicted of violating the voting laws, Susan refused to pay the fine and succeeded in obtaining the right to vote. For the remainder of her life, she campaigned endlessly for a federal woman suffrage amendment through the National Woman Suffrage Association (1869-90) and the National American Woman Suffrage Association (1890-1906). She also lectured extensively throughout the USA. In 1888, she organized the International Council of Women and in 1904 the International Woman Suffrage Alliance. Although Susan did not live to see the results of her efforts to "win the right to vote for women," the establishment of the 19th amendment is largely a result of her relentless efforts. �I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand.� - Susan B. Anthony

Article by: Alexander S