Woman’s Journal (1872) Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
The Woman’s Journal began in the 1870’s and lasted up until the year of 1931. Presented above is one of the first periodicals created in 1870. The magazine was created by Lucy Stone and her husband Henry Brown Blackwell. The magazine primarily highlighted the suffrage movement but also expanded upon other issued such as child labor. The magazine often highlighted the many issues that women faced during this time. This weekly newspaper was published every Saturday in Boston, Massachusetts and Chicago, Illinois. The magazine primary discussed women’s interests specifically those of white women. Although many of the ideas that were highlighted applied to all women the goals expressed in the magazine represented those of white middle class American women. In order for women’s voices to be heard it was important that they create their own platform, Even with this platform not all men respected the thoughts and opinions addressed in this periodical. In 1931 the magazine had its last publication.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton addresses the House Judiciary Committee in 1871
In this image Elizabeth Cody Stanton, one of the leaders of the suffrage movement addresses the House Judiciary Committee in 1871. The primary goal of the movement included voting rights for women. This striking image displays Stanton and her counterparts including Susan B. Anthony at the table while each of the men focus all of their attention on her. To have this many men listening to the issues voiced by a woman itself was a big step for the movement. This was a representation of the ways in which women pushed back against this white male dominated society. Although, the Judiciary Committee was full of white men this image represented the ways in which the suffrage movement fought against this. To assert her message Canton stood tall and delivered her message the committee. Her stature and body languages demanded attention in this room but more importantly symbolized the command for attention on Women’s rights.
Letter written by Elizabeth Lady Stanton to the National Anti-Slavery Standard
In December of 1865 Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote a letter to the editor of the National Anti-slavery Standard. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a social activists and leader of the Women’s Rights Movement. This excerpt includes a portion of the letter. As a social activist she aimed attention at several other social issues other than women’s rights along with several other suffragettes. However, Stanton makes it very clear that her primary goal is to see progression for women as she questions the progression of voting rights for black men in comparison to those for women. Without trying the efforts for women’s rights belittled those of African Americans. This inevitably put white males in complete power and developed a pick me narrative between Women’s Rights and Rights for African Americans. Stanton states “whether we had better stand aside and see “Sambo” walk into the kingdom first”. The referral of black men to “Sambo” only further degraded black citizens. Perpetuation these stereotypes that were fostered by white men only further upheld their position as being the most powerful but in addition assumes that this position of power is deserved while all others including women must fight at all costs to attain equal rights.