Susan B. Anthony

Susan Brownell Anthony, 1855nps.gov In the 1860’s, most women were wearing long skirts, taking care of their families, and staying out of trouble- but Susan Brownell Anthony was no ordinary woman. A determined individual,  Anthony had an eagerness for equality and a goal to change the accepted female image. Anthony was the backbone of the Women’s rights era. Born in 1820 to active liberalists, she was raised with “a strong sense of self-worth, self-reliance, and self-discipline” (Contemporary Heroes). Anthony went on to establish the National Woman Suffrage Association and to work towards an amendment that would allow women voting rights. Moreover, she represented the best of humanity as a suffragist, abolitionist, and social reformer. Thus, she showcased heroic attributes that separate her from others during the time. She devoted her life to her cause and fought fiercely every day. Additionally, she led this movement fearlessly, no matter what stood in her way. Therefore, Susan B Anthony was passionate and courageous, making her a hero.

Susan B Anthony was able to accomplish astounding things for our nation, due to her fierce passion for equality. Before she had established her dream, Anthony was invited to a conference by the Sons of Temperance in Albany, discussed the national dilemma of over drinking. Little did she know that that meeting would spark the passion that shaped the rest of her life. (Encyclopedia of World Biography). “As she rose from her seat to join in the discussion, she was told that the women who were there, had been invited to listen and learn,’ not to speak. Furious, Anthony stormed out of the meeting and soon after founded her own organization, the Woman's New York State Temperance Society” (Contemporary Heroes 12). When provoked, Anthony’s vigor could not be suppressed. As shown, when she was told not to speak because of her gender, her true passion for equal rights was unleashed. She refused to sit down and listen, rather she decided to make a change. She then created an organization which brought together a mass of people who shared the same common value. This fire within her helped her to proceed closer to her goal by creating the Temperance Society, while also inspiring many others to take part. Besides starting the Temperance foundation, her passion led her and many other women to make history in the name of women’s suffrage. On November 1, 1872,  Anthony used the 14th amendment to prove that women should be allowed to vote in the upcoming election.  As a result, she and about 50 other women registered to vote and became the first women in United States history to do so. (Encyclopedia of World Biography). Her enthusiasm and determination during this time, allowed her to react in a way different than any of the women of America ever had before. This inspired others to follow as she guided them towards their shared goal of equal rights. As shown, Susan B Anthony possessed a passion that allowed her to conquer any obstacle in her way. Her words challenged society’s current perception of right and wrong and influenced others to find the same passion. Not only her remarkable contributions to the cause, but also her strong passion and determination made her a hero.  

Newspaper Article About Anthony's Speechcrusadeforthevote.orgAnthony with her best friend Elizabeth Cady Stantonwondersandmarvels.comSusan B Anthony also showcased heroism through courage. Anthony’s work was new to the nation at the time, and therefore very controversial. Many people disagreed with her views and what she was crusading for. She endured endless public criticism from people who didn’t see the importance in her work or who didn’t want her to change the way society was.  Nevertheless, she continued towards her goal of equal rights for women (Contemporary Heroes). Her courage during this time, allowed her to persevere through public hate and change the viewpoints of the citizens. Susan B Anthony not only fought for a noble cause but fearlessly took abuse for it every day of her life. She was bold and brave, thus conquered her obstacles and continued towards her goal, which made a lasting impact on the modern world. Anthony demonstrated these qualities again later in her career. After leading over 15 women alongside her to vote in the presidential election, she was taken to court for voter fraud because it was still illegal for women to vote at the time. After her trial, she was fined $100, which she refused to pay. The judge could have sent her to prison for such an action. (Mcgill).  Anthony fearlessly supported her cause with every ounce of her being, refusing to give in to her sentence because it would be admitting defeat. The bravery it took to fight the authorities with such little support was astounding and rarely seen. As one of the first and most impactful women’s rights activists, she demonstrated an innate sense of courage. She fought for ideas that were completely new at the time and managed to change the way of the world through her inspiring words.  Overall, Susan B Anthony was a hero of early America due to her fearlessness.

Womens March 2017huffingtonpost.com In sum, Susan B. Anthony showcased her heroism through passion and audacity. During her life, she accomplished many things that bettered our society. She fervently campaigned for equal rights and dedicated her life to the cause. Furthermore, she continued her journey even when it seemed like the whole country was against her. Still after her death in 1906, she continued to inspire people. Her legacy influenced many activists to fight for equality, and eventually achieve their goals. In 1920, the 19th amendment was ratified, guaranteeing women the right to vote and nicknamed “The Anthony Amendment” because of her huge contributions to the movement (Library of Congress). She became the first role model for young feminists and an inspiration to many through her endless struggle for fairness. Anthony devoted her whole life to chipping at the glass ceiling, breaking it piece by piece through each person she touched. Every day we continue to make new advances on women’s rights and get closer to truly achieving equality- and we owe these immense changes to the original suffragette, Susan Brownell Anthony.

Works Consulted

Lange, Allison. “National Woman Suffrage Association.” History of U.S. Woman's Suffrage, 2015, www.crusadeforthevote.org/nwsa-organize/.

McGill, Sara Ann. "Susan B. Anthony." Susan B. Anthony, 8/1/2017, p. 1. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=b6h&AN=18055186&site=brc-live

“Susan B. Anthony.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 22 Jan. 2018, www.biography.com/page/contact-ushttps://www.biography.com/people/susan-b-anthony-194905.

“Susan B. Anthony calls for Women's Suffrage.” Digital History, www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=1064.

“Susan B. Anthony." Contemporary Heroes and Heroines, vol. 3, Gale, 1998. Biography in Context, Accessed 24 Jan. 2018.

"Susan Brownell Anthony." Encyclopedia of World Biography, Gale, 1998. Student Resources in Context, 33e. Accessed 30 Jan. 2018

“Women Suffrage in the Progressive Era - American Memory Timeline- Classroom Presentation | Teacher Resources.” Library of Congress