Susan B. Anthony, American activist (b. 1820)

Born Susan Anthony on February 15, 1820, this remarkable American figure, who would later be known globally as Susan B. Anthony, dedicated her life to profound social change. Her journey began in a Quaker family deeply committed to the principles of social equality, a foundation that instilled in her an early passion for justice. Even as a teenager, at just 17 years old, she was actively engaged, collecting petitions against slavery. This early activism laid the groundwork for her becoming the New York state agent for the American Anti-Slavery Society in 1856, clearly marking her as a determined voice for the marginalized long before her most famous crusades.

A Powerful Partnership Takes Shape

A pivotal moment in Susan B. Anthony's life occurred in 1851 when she met Elizabeth Cady Stanton. This meeting sparked a profound, lifelong friendship and a formidable partnership in the relentless pursuit of social reform, particularly in the burgeoning field of women's rights. Their collaborative efforts began with a direct challenge to the era's restrictive norms. In 1852, after Anthony was barred from speaking at a temperance conference simply because of her gender, the duo responded by establishing the New York Women's State Temperance Society. Their activism wasn't solely focused on women's issues, however. During the tumultuous Civil War years, in 1863, they co-founded the Women's Loyal National League. This organization spearheaded an unprecedented petition drive, gathering nearly 400,000 signatures—the largest of its kind in U.S. history at that point—all in fervent support of the complete abolition of slavery. This demonstrated their holistic view of equality and their strategic understanding of public pressure.

Spearheading the Suffrage Movement

The post-Civil War era saw Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton broadening their advocacy significantly. In 1866, they launched the American Equal Rights Association, a groundbreaking initiative that tirelessly campaigned for equal rights for all, specifically championing both women and African Americans. To amplify their message and reach a wider audience, they commenced publishing a weekly newspaper, aptly named The Revolution, in 1868. This influential publication served as a vital platform for discussing women's suffrage and other pressing social issues. The path to suffrage was not without its divisions, however. In 1869, Anthony and Stanton founded the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA), emerging from a split within the broader women's movement regarding strategies and priorities, particularly the inclusion of women's voting rights in the 15th Amendment. Despite these initial rifts, the movement eventually unified; by 1890, a significant step forward was taken as the NWSA merged with its rival, the American Woman Suffrage Association, to create the formidable National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), with Anthony serving as its guiding and most influential force. During this period, their commitment to documenting history was also evident. Beginning in 1876, Anthony and Stanton, alongside Matilda Joslyn Gage, embarked on an monumental project: the multi-volume History of Woman Suffrage, a foundational text that meticulously recorded the struggle. While their specific interests might have diverged slightly in their later years, the unbreakable bond of friendship between Anthony and Stanton remained a constant, a testament to their shared vision and enduring partnership.

A Bold Act of Defiance and a Legacy in Law

In a dramatic act of civil disobedience that captivated the nation, Susan B. Anthony was arrested in her hometown of Rochester, New York, in 1872. Her "crime"? Casting a ballot in the presidential election, directly defying laws that explicitly restricted voting rights to men. Her subsequent trial was a national spectacle, widely publicized and meticulously followed, where she was ultimately convicted. In a further act of defiance, Anthony steadfastly refused to pay the imposed fine, a powerful symbolic gesture. Remarkably, the authorities, perhaps recognizing the growing public sympathy for her cause or wary of making her a martyr, chose not to pursue further action against her. This incident only solidified her image as an unwavering champion for women's suffrage. Six years later, in 1878, Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton orchestrated the presentation of a constitutional amendment to Congress, meticulously drafted to grant women the right to vote. Introduced by Senator Aaron A. Sargent of California, this groundbreaking proposal soon became colloquially known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment. It was a long and arduous battle, but this very amendment eventually achieved ratification in 1920, fourteen years after Anthony's passing, becoming the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and forever enshrining women's right to vote.

A Global Crusader and an Indelible Legacy

Susan B. Anthony's commitment to women's rights knew no bounds. Her dedication to securing women's suffrage led her to travel tirelessly across the nation, often delivering an astonishing 75 to 100 speeches annually and actively participating in countless state-level campaigns. Her vision extended beyond American borders, as she also played a crucial role in international advocacy. She was instrumental in the formation of the International Council of Women, an organization that continues its vital work today, promoting women's global advancement. Further cementing her international influence, she helped organize the World's Congress of Representative Women at the landmark World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, bringing together female leaders from around the globe. Early in her career, Anthony faced intense scorn and ridicule. Critics often accused her of being a radical, even of attempting to dismantle the very institution of marriage with her audacious demands for equality. Yet, over the course of her remarkable life, public perception of her transformed dramatically. A testament to her enduring impact and the growing acceptance of her ideals, her 80th birthday was a momentous occasion, celebrated at the White House itself, at the personal invitation of President William McKinley. Her legacy continued to be honored posthumously: in 1979, she became the first female citizen to be depicted on U.S. coinage, her resolute profile gracing the dollar coin, a permanent symbol of her monumental contributions to American history and the ongoing fight for human rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Susan B. Anthony

Who was Susan B. Anthony?

Susan B. Anthony was a pioneering American social reformer and civil rights activist born in 1820. She dedicated her life to fighting for social equality, particularly playing a central and undeniable role in the women's suffrage movement.

What was Susan B. Anthony famous for?

Anthony is most renowned for her relentless campaigning for women's right to vote. She was a tireless organizer, speaker, and writer, famously arrested for voting in 1872, and was instrumental in proposing what became the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

When did Susan B. Anthony begin her activism?

Her activism started early; she was collecting anti-slavery petitions at age 17. She began her dedicated work for women's rights and temperance in the early 1850s, after meeting Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Who was Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Susan B. Anthony?

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was Susan B. Anthony's lifelong friend and most crucial collaborator. Together, they founded multiple influential organizations, including the New York Women's State Temperance Society and the National Woman Suffrage Association, and co-authored the History of Woman Suffrage.

What is the Susan B. Anthony Amendment?

The Susan B. Anthony Amendment is the colloquial name for the amendment to the U.S. Constitution that ultimately granted women the right to vote. It was first introduced to Congress in 1878 and was ratified as the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920.

How is Susan B. Anthony's legacy remembered today?

Anthony's legacy is celebrated as a foundational figure in American civil rights. She was honored by appearing on the U.S. dollar coin in 1979, and her work continues to inspire advocates for equality worldwide. The Nineteenth Amendment stands as her ultimate legislative achievement.