For centuries, all over America, women have been forced to stand in the shadow of man because they were seen as weak individuals not worthy of equality. In earlier times, the women's role in American society placed the woman in the home, with her duty to cleaning and bearing children. The Progressive Era in American history marks a period in time where possible solutions to the problems of urbanization, industrialization, and immigration came to light. One significant aspect of this period was the participation and full support of women. Most significantly, however, is the fact that this was a time where the idea of women's suffrage became a reality. Through organizations such as the Young Women's Christian Association, the National Consumers' League, professional associations, and trade unions, female reformers were at the vanguard of the women's suffrage campaign. There are a number of remarkable women in history who have paved the way for the later female generations such as Jane Addams, Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Stanton, and Sojourner Truth who were leading abolitionists during their time. By the late 19th century, the aforementioned women (and countless others) helped to afford women advancement in property rights, employment and educational opportunities, divorce and child custody laws, and increased social freedoms. The early 20th century also saw a successful push for the vote through a coalition of suffragists, temperance groups, reform-minded politicians, and women's social welfare organizations. In today's society women have been recognized for their previous efforts to change the proverbial mold. During the late 19th century and into the early parts of the 20th Century, the issue of women's rights in America became a battle for equality and a tumultuous road to reformation.
Susan B. Anthony states in "The Status of Women, Past, Present and Future", every occupation is open to women now.
