Matilda Joslyn Gage, American author and activist (b. 1826)

Matilda Joslyn Gage: A Trailblazing Voice for Justice and Equality

Born on March 24, 1826, Matilda Joslyn Gage emerged as a formidable American writer and activist whose influence profoundly shaped the landscape of 19th-century social reform. Living through a period of immense societal change, Gage dedicated her life to challenging the status quo, advocating tirelessly for the rights of the marginalized, and leaving an indelible mark on multiple progressive movements until her passing on March 18, 1898.

Championing Women's Suffrage and Beyond

While often celebrated as a foundational figure in the struggle for women's suffrage in the United States, Matilda Joslyn Gage's activism extended far beyond the ballot box. Her vision encompassed a broader spectrum of human rights, including passionate campaigns for Native American rights, the fervent movement for abolitionism (the end of slavery), and the vital principle of freethought, championing the unfettered exercise of reason in matters of religious belief during an era often dominated by dogmatic traditions. Her insightful advocacy led to her posthumous recognition as the eponym for the Matilda effect, a term that succinctly describes the historical tendency to deny women appropriate credit for scientific and inventive contributions.

Gage's powerful voice resonated early in her career, notably as the youngest speaker at the pivotal 1852 National Women's Rights Convention held in Syracuse, New York. This was just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to public discourse and tireless effort. She proved to be an exceptionally prolific writer and speaker, contributing countless articles to the burgeoning press of her time. Contemporaries regarded her as "one of the most logical, fearless and scientific writers of her day," a testament to her sharp intellect and unwavering resolve.

Literary Contributions and Publishing Endeavors

From 1878 to 1881, Gage channeled her journalistic prowess into publishing and editing the National Citizen, a dedicated newspaper that served as a crucial platform for advancing the cause of women. This venture was more than just a publication; it was a rallying cry, amplifying the voices and arguments for women's rights across the nation. Her collaborative spirit shone brightly in her work with fellow suffrage titans, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. For many years, these three formidable women stood at the forefront of the suffrage movement, a powerful triumvirate whose combined efforts led to the monumental multi-volume work, History of Woman Suffrage (published between 1881 and 1887). This comprehensive historical account remains an invaluable primary source for understanding the early decades of the women's rights movement.

Beyond her editorial and collaborative endeavors, Matilda Joslyn Gage penned several influential solo works that cemented her legacy as a profound thinker and writer. Her notable publications include:

• Woman's Rights Catechism (1868)
• Woman as Inventor (1870)
• Who Planned the Tennessee Campaign (1880)
• Woman, Church and State (1893) – a groundbreaking critique of religious and governmental institutions through a feminist lens.

Evolving Philosophy and the Woman's National Liberal Union

For many years, Gage was a key figure within the National Women's Suffrage Association. However, as her views on suffrage and feminism evolved, becoming increasingly radical for many of her contemporaries, she boldly chose to forge a new path. In 1890, she founded the Woman's National Liberal Union, an organization designed to champion an even more expansive vision of women's liberty and societal reform. The union's ambitious objectives were clearly articulated:

1. To assert woman's natural right to self-government.
2. To illuminate the underlying causes for the delay in recognizing women's demands for equality.
3. To safeguard the fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty for all.
4. To galvanize public opinion against the perilous notion of a union between church and state, particularly through constitutional amendments.
5. To unequivocally denounce the deeply ingrained doctrine of woman's inferiority.

Matilda Joslyn Gage served as the unwavering president of this progressive union from its inception until her death in Chicago in 1898. Her profound influence even extended to her son-in-law, L. Frank Baum, the acclaimed author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Gage's progressive ideas, particularly her advocacy for women's strength and independence, are widely believed to have significantly shaped the strong female characters and underlying themes present in Baum's timeless works, embedding her legacy in American literature for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matilda Joslyn Gage

Who was Matilda Joslyn Gage?

Matilda Joslyn Gage was a prominent American writer, activist, and suffragist of the 19th century, known for her contributions to women's rights, Native American rights, abolitionism, and freethought.

When was Matilda Joslyn Gage born and when did she die?

She was born on March 24, 1826, and passed away on March 18, 1898.

What is she most famous for?

While a key figure in the women's suffrage movement, she is also recognized for her broader activism, her collaboration on the History of Woman Suffrage, and her independent writings, including Woman, Church and State. She is also the eponym for the "Matilda effect."

What was the "Matilda effect"?

The Matilda effect describes the historical tendency to deny women credit for scientific invention and other intellectual achievements, often attributing their work to men instead.

How did she influence L. Frank Baum?

Matilda Joslyn Gage was the mother-in-law of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Her strong feminist views and advocacy for powerful women are believed to have significantly influenced the strong female characters and themes in his beloved stories.

Why did she leave the National Women's Suffrage Association?

As her views on feminism and the intersection of various oppressions became more radical and expansive than some of her peers, she founded the Woman's National Liberal Union in 1890 to pursue her broader agenda, which included challenging the union of church and state and asserting woman's natural right to self-government.