Susan B. Anthony

Susan B. Anthony was the most courageous women in her generation. Anthony was born in February 15th, 1820; she was the second of seven children. At the age of 17 Anthony was pulled out of school because due to the 1837 depression (Susan B. Anthony House). Anthony's occupation was a teacher as well as an agent for the Anti-Slavery Society. Throughout her journey she has went through the worst obstacles any women could face in her time. She is deserving of the title of a hero because she was the first women to take a stand in the U.S. for the right for women to vote even though it was illegal.

Anthony was born into a family that was the center of political issues such as banning slavery. Anthony's dad Daniel Anthony was a 6th generation Quaker also an abolitionist. "Anthony's dad inspired her to start The Women's Suffrage Movement" (Women's Rights Movement in the U.S.). This shows that Anthony's dad had a big impact on her starting the Women's Suffrage Movement. As well as "Anthony traveled the nation" (Susan B Anthony House) to have her voice heard and inspire other women to take a stand for women's to vote. "The first women's rights convention was 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." Anthony and her longtime friend Elizabeth Cady Stanton were both fed up with the false statements and actions towards women. In 1869 Anthony and Stanton founded the National Woman's Suffrage Association that had a little over 1,000 participants. This was their first step close to achieving their goal to legalize voting for women.

Although there were many arrest around this time, Anthony's arrest was the most recognized. "She was the first person arrested, put on trial and fined for voting in 1872 of November"(The Trial of Susan B. Anthony). Although Anthony intended to vote prior to 1872 her request was refused by the election inspectors. As a result of this, she quoted the 14th Amendment which "Prohibited state and local governments from depriving persons of life, liberty, or property without certain steps being taken to ensure fairness." Anthony strength and perseverance should be duplicated by all women. Despite the 14th Amendment," Justice Ward Hunt refused to allow Anthony to testify on her own behalf, allowed statements given by her at the time of her arrest to be allowed as "testimony, explicitly ordered the jury to return a guilty verdict, refused to poll the jury afterwards, and read an opinion he had written before the trial even started."(The Trial of Susan B. Anthony ) This highlights the gender discrimination towards Anthony.

The Women's Suffrage Movement published "The Revolution" a weekly paper about woman's suffrage. Additionally, they "Wrote the Susan B. Anthony Amendment in 1878 which later became the 19th Amendment. The 19th Amendment States "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." It's difficult to understand how anyone should have been discriminated against based on factors out of there control. The Women Suffrage Movement were devoted to make a difference for the women in their generation and the generations to come. "Prior to her retirement Anthony was asked if all women in the United States would ever be given the right to vote. She replied by stating, "it will come, but I shall not see it...It is inevitable." For 50 years Anthony, Stanton, and other heroic women sacrificed their lives just to have their voice heard and to legalize voting for women.

Due to Anthony's keen and courageous actions her voice was heard and history was made. Also, Anthony "led the only non-violent revolution in our countries history" (Susan Brownell Anthony). Susan B. Anthony serves as an inspiration to all women to fight for what they believe is fair. These women have been faced with many tough obstacles none the less unity kept these women together.