Date of Award

8-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

Abstract

The struggle for women’s suffrage in the American West was just as complicated as that of other parts of the United States with a lot of women on both sides of the issue. However, within the narrative of women’s suffrage lies an overlooked story that excludes the role of women who campaigned against the women’s suffrage movement in the American West. From the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century, a significant portion of women who were described as “antis” vehemently opposed the quest for the enfranchisement of the female population in the American West. This opposition emerged based on various political, social, religious, and ideological motivations backed up with facts using Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and Colorado elections, as practical examples of failed women’s voting rights. This had a considerable impact on the women’s suffrage movement shaping public opinion and prolonging the fight for women’s enfranchisement in the American West. Despite the eventual success of the movement, exploring the anti-suffragist women instead of agitations from men and the role of religion shows how complex the inherent battle for gender equality persisted. By examining the arguments, tactics, motivations, and impact of the anti-suffragists, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges these brave suffragists faced and the effect of their persistence which is enjoyed by every woman today.

Comments

This is one part of a two part capstone project for a Masters of Arts in History.

The other part can be found at: https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/historystudent/2

The author holds to the copyright to this work. Reach out to the author directly for any reuse or permissions.

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