Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) was an influential American social reformer and women’s rights activist. She played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement, advocating for equal rights and the right to vote for women.
Anthony’s unwavering dedication to the cause, her influential speeches, and her fearless acts, such as illegally voting in the presidential election, have made her a prominent figure in American history.
Her efforts and leadership continue to inspire generations of activists fighting for gender equality.
Susan B Anthony Facts
1. Born on February 15, 1820, in Adams, Massachusetts
Susan B. Anthony was born on February 15, 1820, in Adams, Massachusetts. Her family was politically active and believed in social equality.
Also Read: Susan B Anthony Accomplishments
Growing up in a Quaker household, she was instilled with values of justice and equality from an early age.
2. Died on March 13, 1906, in Rochester, New York
Anthony passed away on March 13, 1906, in Rochester, New York, at the age of 86. She dedicated her entire life to advocating for women’s rights and social reform.
Despite facing opposition and setbacks, she remained committed to her cause until the very end.
3. Advocated for women’s suffrage and equal rights
Susan B. Anthony was a prominent advocate for women’s suffrage and equal rights. She believed that women should have the same political rights as men and fought tirelessly for this cause.
Also Read: Timeline of Susan B Anthony
Anthony played a pivotal role in organizing and leading the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. Her determination and leadership were instrumental in advancing the cause of gender equality.
4. Helped establish the Women’s Loyal National League in 1863
In 1863, Susan B. Anthony played a significant role in the establishment of the Women’s Loyal National League. The league was created as a means to advocate for the abolition of slavery during the American Civil War.
Anthony, along with her friend and fellow activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, worked tirelessly to organize the league and mobilize women in support of the cause.
The Women’s Loyal National League was founded on the principle of nonviolence and aimed to collect signatures on a petition demanding an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would abolish slavery.
Anthony was instrumental in coordinating the collection of signatures and rallying women across the country to join the league’s efforts.
Under Anthony’s leadership, the league successfully gathered over 400,000 signatures in support of the petition. This massive campaign represented a significant contribution to the broader abolitionist movement and demonstrated the organizing power of women in advocating for social change.
5. Arrested for illegally voting in the presidential election of 1872
In 1872, Susan B. Anthony was arrested for illegally voting in the presidential election. At the time, women did not have the right to vote, but Anthony believed in challenging unjust laws.
She cast her vote in Rochester, New York, and was subsequently arrested. During her trial, she famously stated, “I shall never pay a dollar of your unjust penalty” and refused to pay the fine imposed upon her.
6. Co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) in 1869
In 1869, Anthony co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) along with Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The organization aimed to secure women’s suffrage through a federal constitutional amendment.
Anthony served as the NWSA’s president from 1892 to 1900. The NWSA worked tirelessly to promote women’s suffrage and played a significant role in advancing the movement.
7. Co-authored the first three volumes of the History of Woman Suffrage.
Susan B. Anthony collaborated with Elizabeth Cady Stanton on the publication of the History of Woman Suffrage.
The first three volumes, published in 1881, 1882, and 1886, documented the early years of the suffrage movement and chronicled the efforts and achievements of suffragists. The fourth volume was completed by others after Stanton’s death in 1902.
The History of Woman Suffrage became an important resource for future generations studying the suffrage movement. Through this work, Anthony and Stanton aimed to ensure that the accomplishments and struggles of women in the fight for suffrage would not be forgotten.
8. Traveled extensively and delivered speeches promoting women’s suffrage
Susan B. Anthony traveled extensively across the United States, delivering impassioned speeches advocating for women’s suffrage and equal rights. She believed in the power of public speaking and used her voice to educate and inspire others.
Anthony faced opposition and criticism from those who opposed women’s rights, but she remained resolute in her mission to secure equality for all.
9. The 19th Amendment is sometimes called the Susan B. Anthony Amendment
The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote, is often referred to as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment.
While Anthony did not live to see its ratification in 1920, her tireless efforts and advocacy played a crucial role in paving the way for this historic milestone.
The amendment was a culmination of years of struggle and marked a significant achievement in the women’s suffrage movement.
10. Advocated for other causes like abolition, women’s property rights, and labor rights
In addition to women’s suffrage, Susan B. Anthony campaigned for other social causes. She actively supported the abolition of slavery and was involved in the antislavery movement, believing in the interconnectedness of social justice issues.
Anthony also advocated for women’s property rights, as women at that time often faced significant legal and financial challenges in acquiring and maintaining property.
Furthermore, she fought for women’s labor rights, recognizing the need for fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities in the workforce.