Women's Rights Movement in the U.S.

The first women's rights convention is held in Seneca Falls, New York. After 2 days of discussion and debate, 68 women and 32 men sign a Declaration of Sentiments which outlines grievances and sets the agenda for the women's rights movement. A set of 12 resolutions is adopted calling for equal treatment of women and men under the law and voting rights for women.

The first National Women's Rights Convention takes place in Worcester, Massachusetts attracting more than 1,000 participants. National conventions are held yearly (except for 1857) through 1860.

May

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton form the National Woman Suffrage Association. The primary goal of the organization is to achieve voting rights for women by means of a Congressional amendment to the Constitution.

Nov.

Lucy Stone, Henry Blackwell and others form the American Woman Suffrage Association. This group focuses exclusively on gaining voting rights for women through amendments to individual state constitutions.

Dec. 10

The territory of Wyoming passes the first women's suffrage law. The following year, women begin serving on juries in the territory.

Colorado is the first state to adopt an amendment granting women the right to vote.

The National Women's Trade Union League (WTUL) is established to advocate for improved wages and working conditions for women.

 

Aug. 26

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution granting women the right to vote, is signed into law.

President John F. Kennedy establishes the President's Commission on the Status of Women and appoints Eleanor Roosevelt as chairwoman. The report issued by the Commission in 1963 documents substantial discrimination against women in the workplace and makes specific recommendations for improvement, including fair hiring practices, paid maternity leave, and affordable child care.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act bars discrimination in employment on the basis of race and sex. At the same time it establishes the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to investigate complaints and impose penalties.

Hillary Clinton becomes the first woman to run for President of the United States.