Women’s Suffrage

1848

“Declaration of Sentiments” Seneca Falls, New York, 1848

The signatory document of the 1848 Conference on Women’s Rights, which is widely recognized as the first of its kind in the United States.  The declaration, signed by the 68 female and 32 male delegates to the convention, imitates the structure of the US Declaration of Independence.

1877

“Report of the Special Committee on Woman Suffrage.” Providence, 1877.

An early committee report to the Rhode Island House of Representatives responding favorably to women’s calls for suffrage and endorsing, based on a “no taxation without representation” principle, the granting of suffrage to women on all tax-related measures. From the Ryder Collection, John Hay Library, Brown University.

1884

Parkman, Francis. “Some of the Reasons Against Woman Suffrage.” Boston. 1884.

This document, “printed at the request of an association of women,” is an interesting overview of the many reasons opponents of female suffrage brought up for not extending the vote. From the Star Collection, John Hay Library, Brown University.

1887

Women’s Suffrage Association. “The Amendment.” Providence. March 28, 1887.

In 1887, Rhode Island voted on a potential amendment to the state constitution that would have given women suffrage. It was defeated. This newsletter, from advocates of women’s suffrage, details their support and headlines their fellow (male) proponents, including (in spirit) Abraham Lincoln. From the Harris Broadsides Collection, John Hay Library, Brown University.

1915

“Report of Commission to Consider the Amendment and Revision of the Constitution.” January, 1915. Providence, RI.

This is a report that includes a section on a potential constitutional amendment that would extend the elective franchise to women in the state of Rhode Island. Although the committee could not agree on such an amendment, they did include a draft of what it could have looked like at the end of the report.

1919

The Nineteenth Amendment (background from the National Archives):

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.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.