Anthony was a pioneer leader in the cause of women suffrage, and her energy was tireless in working for what she considered to be the best interests of womankind. She enabled women to speak out with confidence on many issues. Miss Anthony contributed to the women suffrage movement by founding a national organization, public lecturing, and putting national focus on the suffrage issue.
Susan Anthony helped form the National Women Suffrage Association (1869-90) and later known as the National American Women Suffrage Association (1890-1906). The organization helped women campaign for many suffrage related issues. Miss Anthony campaigned for economic independence and opportunities for women. A few of her demands were equal pay for equal work, control of a woman's" own money, and for the right to vote. She also campaigned for easier divorce and custody of the children in the divorce. Susan wanted women to have a voice in more than just the classic domestic sphere. She wanted women to have political opportunities. Susan accomplished many of these goals through NAWSA and public lecturing.
In 1849, Susan gave her first public speech for the Daughters of Temperance and then helped found the Women's State Temperance Society of New York, one of the first organizations of its time (Rochester,1). In 1872, Susan B. Anthony demanded that women be given the same civil and political rights that had been given to black males under the fourteenth and fifteenth amendments. Thus, she led a group of women to the polls in Rochester, New York to test the right of women to vote. She was arrested two weeks later and while awaiting trial, engaged in highly publicized lecture tours. In March 1873, she tried to vote again in city elections. Susan continued working hard by going from state to state giving speeches about the enfranchisement of women. In 1878, Susan convinced Senator Arron Sargent of California to propose an amendment to the constitution for women suffrage.