Feminism in the Early Twentieth Century

Table of Contents

• Overview of Women's Rights Before the Great Depression
• View of Women's Employment Leading to the Depression
• Employment Opportunities for Women During the Depression
• Women's Roles in the Home During the Great Depression
• Significance of the 19th Amendment
• First Wave Feminism
• Conclusion

Overview of Women's Rights Before the Great Depression

Untitled Slide

• The journey towards women's suffrage began with the historic Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, igniting the demand for the right to vote. Fast forward to 1920, the 19th Amendment solidified this right for American women.
• In the passionate backdrop of the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, Sojourner Truth, a former enslaved worker turned abolitionist and women’s rights activist, resounds with her famous 'Ain't I a Woman?' speech.

Untitled Slide

• Visionaries Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton founded the National Woman Suffrage Association, becoming instrumental in orchestrating the national suffrage movement.
• Further breaking barriers, Jeannette Rankin of Montana, a dedicated advocate with the National Woman Suffrage Association, achieved historic heights as the first woman elected to Congress in the House of Representatives.

View of womens employment leading to the great depression

Untitled Slide

• Eleanor Roosevelt advocated for increased female representation in politics, yet Frances Perkins, despite her influential position, discouraged married women from entering the workforce. The era witnessed discrimination against women in wages, with over 25% of wage codes setting lower rates for women.

Untitled Slide

• Challenges were particularly targeted toward minority groups; Mexican-American women faced job competition and discrimination, leading some to relocate back to Mexico. The entry of more white women into the workforce worsened difficulties for Black women, who struggled to secure jobs and fair wages. Exclusion from the 1935 Social Security Act left Black women in farm and domestic work without pensions or safety nets.

Untitled Slide

• Frances Perkins' perspective, viewing married women in the workforce as a threat to society, echoed prevalent arguments against women working, often rooted in the notion of "pin money" and assumptions that women would return to domestic roles post-marriage.

Untitled Slide

• In 1935, Wisconsin lawmakers claimed that married working women undermined family life. A 1936 Fortune Magazine poll showed limited support for women having full-time jobs outside the home. Federal mandates in 1933 required women with government jobs to use their husband's names to prevent job loss evasion.

Employment Opportunities for Women During the Depression

Untitled Slide

• During the 1930s, women had been gradually joining the workforce in increasing numbers for several decades. However, the Great Depression compelled women to seek employment with a heightened sense of urgency. This urgency arose from the economic turmoil that left thousands of men unemployed. The period also witnessed a 22% decline in marriage rates between 1929 and 1939, making necessary that more single women take on the responsibility of supporting themselves. The economic challenges of the time significantly influenced women's roles and participation in the workforce.

Untitled Slide

• During the Great Depression, jobs available to women, though paying less, were relatively more stable compared to other sectors. In 1940, 90% of all women's jobs could be categorized into 10 specific fields, including nursing, teaching, and civil service for white women. However, Black and Hispanic women were predominantly confined to domestic work, reflecting significant racial and gender disparities in the available employment opportunities during that period.

Untitled Slide

• In 1940, employment statistics showed that only 15% of married women were employed, while nearly 50% of single women held jobs. However, as the United States approached World War II, societal stigmas surrounding married women working were set aside. The deployment of men overseas created a necessity for women to step into manufacturing roles on the home front. Iconic figures like Rosie the Riveter celebrated women's newfound and crucial contributions to the workforce during the wartime efforts, a shift that persisted until the end of the war.

Women's Roles in the Home During the Great Depression

The first image depicts a heart-wrenching scene of a sharecropper's wife putting her baby to sleep near Pace, Mississippi. Despite the simplicity of the moment, the image highlights the immense responsibilities these women carried during the Great Depression, one of them including raising a family amidst economic hardship.

The second image captures the unwavering determination of a sharecropper's wife as she prepares a midday meal for her family. The act of cooking in such unfavorable conditions is a testament to the resilience of these women and their dedication to providing for their loved ones. It symbolizes the daily struggles they faced and their resourcefulness in maintaining some level of normalcy during trying times.

The third image is an advertisement for margarine, which reflects the creative resourcefulness demanded of women during the Great Depression. The prevalence of these ads highlights the economic struggles of the era and underscores the importance of frugality and maximizing limited resources. It serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial role women played in managing households and keeping their families afloat during difficult times.

Significance of the 19th Amendment

Untitled Slide

• The ratification of the 19th Amendment on August 26, 1920, marked a historic moment, affirming the citizenship of more than 26 million women and providing them with a powerful mechanism for empowerment.
• The 19th Amendment played a pivotal role in advancing reproductive rights, ushering in a new voting population with a political agenda that eventually led to the legalization of contraception and abortion.

Untitled Slide

• Beyond political influence, the amendment contributed to economic progress for women. The increased availability of family-planning services and supplies enabled more women to enroll in higher education and pursue professional careers.
• In broader terms, the 19th Amendment played a key role in bringing millions of women closer to equality in various aspects of American life. Women, now enfranchised, actively advocated for job opportunities, fair wages, education, and birth control.

Untitled Slide

• Empowered by their voting rights, women became a political force. Candidates wanted their support, leading to advocacy for laws ensuring individual economic security, including inheritance and divorce laws. Women not only voted but also ran for office, aiming to enhance both government and their individual lives through active participation in the democratic process.

first wave feminism

Untitled Slide

• The first wave of feminism began officially with the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, where organizers such as Elizabeth C. Stanton and Lucretia Mott drafted the groundbreaking "Declaration of Sentiments" at the Hunt family's home in Waterloo, New York. This convention served as a catalyst for the women's suffrage movement, which remained a central focus for activists for several decades.

Untitled Slide

• To further the cause, Stanton and Susan B. Anthony established the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) in their pursuit of federal suffrage, while Lucy Stone founded the American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA) in 1869, concentrating on securing suffrage at the state level. In 1890, recognizing the need for unity, the NWSA and AWSA merged to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).

Untitled Slide

• A significant event in this wave occurred in 1913 with the organization of the Woman Suffrage Parade. Organized by the NAWSA, this large-scale procession celebrated the "New Woman" of the 20th century, showcasing women's contributions and achievements worldwide. Over 5,000 marchers and more than 20 floats participated in this impactful parade, symbolizing the strength and determination of the women's suffrage movement.

conclusion

In conclusion, the exploration of feminism in the early twentieth century unveils a transformative period marked by significant milestones and enduring challenges. Despite facing societal opposition and legislative hurdles, the women's suffrage movement persevered. The Great Depression brought forth new challenges, revealing discrimination in the workforce and societal expectations. The 19th Amendment and the first wave of feminism collectively empowered women, allowing them to actively participate in shaping their futures. As we reflect on this era, let us acknowledge the resilience, determination, and collective strength of the women who paved the way. Their legacy endures, inspiring continued efforts toward a more inclusive and equitable society.

Thank you!