Women’s Suffrage, An Upward Battle to Victory

In 1848, 68 women came together to sign one of the most important documents in United States History. These 68 women, and 32 men, gathered at Seneca Falls to take a stand for basic civil right that were being infringed upon. This “Declaration of Sentiments” became the bases for the women’s rights movement, outlining the many points of the agenda which they believed were most important, the chief concern being the women’s right to vote. Two women spearheaded this movement, and became two of the most important figures in United States history. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton together formed the National Woman Suffrage Association, which served to fight for women’s right to vote becoming an official amendment of the Constitution. In this way, they believed, they were securing all civil rights for every American citizen. As the struggle continued, and later became a victory, the women’s suffrage movement became one of the most important news stories for American journalists and the general public alike. As part of a list of top news stories of the 20th century, compiled by Newseum, women’s suffrage ranked as number seven on the general public’s list.
The media took a hold of this new and powerful movement and splashed it across every newspaper’s front page. The women’s movement was headline news, and reporters were using the big story as a way to draw in more readership. While watching a short documentary on the women’s suffrage, provided by Newseuam, there were a number of sources that were cited throughout the documentary. Sources such as National archives, the Library of Congress, the Susan B. Anthony House, and Sewall-Belmont House were used for intriguing information for the viewers. Also, Ms. Magazine and numerous historians were used to give information about the movement, as it was during the time. It was said that newspapers from coast to coast were covering the story and following every foot foreword. The Susan B. Anthony House, especially, provided Newseum with records of Anthony’s historical conviction along with various pictures and videos taken at the time. The power of the press was apparent during the women’s movement and showed just how influential the media can be in society.
During this time, journalism depicted what was going on in the world, as women journalists began to report on the movement from their own view. Many “special interest” newspapers began to circulate. Historians, who have studied these special interests newspapers of the time, argue that often these papers are established when rightful coverage of a story is not being given special attention. In this way, the women were able to get their voices heard. For example, when the Seneca Falls meeting was announced, the local newspaper only made one single announcement of the meeting. Therefore, it was up to many of the women involved in the movement to work harder to make their voices hear through various special interest newspapers that often times did not get as much circulation as other media outlets.
Although, at the moment there is not particular movement that can come close to comparing with the Women’s Suffrage movement of the 20th century, there are, however, stories that do not get the coverage they deserve. Therefore, it is the duty of modern journalists to search out the stories that deserve a voice. Often times, there are people who need to be heard and have no means of telling their stories. Much like the women of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, there are women around the world who need to be heard today. There is abuse, neglect, homelessness, and destitution even now, and this is where many of the hardships of women come to subsist. For this reason, it is of utmost importance for journalists to furnish society with the accurate information.

Citations:
Soloman, Martha. "The Role of the Suffrage Press". St. George's University of Medicine. 04/24/09 .
Goldstein-LeVande , Meredith. "Introduction". History-Rochester. 04/24/09 .