1. Women and
Politics
Did they appreciate the vote?

2. What was the rule?
Jeanette rankin of
montana - first women
in congress
This was exceptional
Generally politics was
thought to be too
disreputable for women
to be involved in!

3. 19th amendment
In 1920 all women over the age of 21 gained
The right to vote
Division - african american women in the
south were unable to take advantage of this
Evidence showed that the majority of
married women voted with their husbands
For poor women the daily struggle was
more important than politics

4. New deal for women in
politics
Only 9 women had entered politics by 1939
Mary mcleod bethune was the first black
women to enter politics - director of negro
affairs
Frances perkins - secretary of labour
The negative reaction to this appointment -
highlighted the entrenched prejudices of
businessmen and unions

5. Eleanor roosevelt
Active role as first lady
Joined the league of women voters and the
women’s trade union league
Staunch supporter of the anti-lynching
campaign

6. Did the vote really help?
For the well educated minority who had campaigned for it
- it did make a difference
They were divided how best to use the vote and therefore
failed to make further changes for the position of women
Division - educated women who held up the sanctity of the
home vs feminist groups who wanted equal rights for
women (era amendment)
Some women were concerned that there biological
differences might be compromised - they might have to do
heavy lifting at work!
Some extremists campaigned strongly against the era and
many formed a branch of the kkk

7. campaigns
Jane addams - essential
legislation to regulate
working hours, abolish child
labour and improve living
conditions for the poor
Mary talbert - educated
black women who campaigned
against lynching
Some women were concerned
that pressing for separate
legislation would highlight
their differences and
emphasise their differences
with men

8. What was achieved?
Women’s bureau was established in the
department of labour - but was very limited in
what it could achieve
The shepherd-towner act - funds available for
maternity - restricted because they medical
profession didn’t want to provide free health
care to the poor
Eight hour day for women - due to strong
opposition the supreme court overthrew the
legislation
However, there was prohibition!!!!