The Changing Role of Women

Above is an archived version of Mary Wollstonecraft’s Obituary in the United Kingdom. The Obituary exhibits the impact that Wollstonecraft and her published works of feminist literature had on the public. The author, Mary Hays, articulates the loss of such a brilliant force in writing, stating, "This extraordinary woman, no less distinguished by admirable talents and a masculine tone of understanding, than by active humanity, exquisite sensibility, and endearing qualities of heart, commanding the respect and winning the affections of all who were favored with her friendship and confidence, or who were within the sphere of her influence, may justly be considered as a public loss." The article was intended to grieve the author while simultaneously recognizing her achievements. In the Obituary, Hays presents a mournful tone, describing Wollstonecraft's accomplishments in life and writing, making this excerpt a prominent example of Craft's lasting influence on the world before and after her passing. The Obituary was published shortly after she died in 1797, making it relevant to that historical period.

“Wollstonecraft Obituary."

1797

Wollstonecraft Obituary

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

“A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.” 1792

The resource cited is an archived copy of Mary Wollstonecraft's book, A Vindication of the Rights of Women (1792). The book was written as a response to Reflections on the French Revolution (1790) by Edmund Burke and was recognized as one of the first literary installments that argue women's rights should be that equivalent to male birth rights. Craft's writing was sparked by previously published books that glorified the manipulation of a female's education, in line with the idea that the learning system is developed and construed to befit a man's perception of the 'ideal woman.' Wollstonecraft shunned this biased infrastructure in favor of women formulating individual ideas and pursuing their passions. In the book, Wollstonecraft references first-hand experiences and accounts in rebuttal to the nation's means of education, writing from the perspective of a woman directly affected by these ideas.

Thoughts on the Education of Daughters

"Thoughts on the Education of Daughters." 1787

This artifact is an archived copy of Mary Wollstonecraft's Thoughts on the Education of Daughters: With Reflections on Female Conduct, in the More Important Duties of Life. This book encompasses the idea that women are exponentially more valuable and intellectual than the predisposed roles assigned to them by a male-orchestrated society. Considering the era in which Wollstonecraft published, she went against social decorum with quotations such as "I am afraid, indeed, the reflections will, by some, be thought too grave, but I could not make them less so without writing affectedly." Wollstonecraft recognized her work would spark controversy but shared it with the world regardless. The book challenged traditional gendered roles and, at the time, was acknowledged as one of the first influential installments of feminist literature. Based on this publication, many argue that Wollstonecraft was the world's first feminist author, setting up future suffragists for centuries to make waves in women's education.

NWSA Constitution

“NWSA Constitution.” 1874

Founded on May 15, 1869, the source above is a copy of the Constitution of the National Women's Suffrage Association (NWSA). Spearheaded by the group's founders, the Constitution includes a list of NWSA officers and demonstrates the values and mission statement of the Association. The Document also encompasses the primary goal of securing white women's right to vote and how the organization upholds this mission. This new Constitution opposed the 15th amendment at the time, which denied women's right to have voting input. Unfortunately, only in relation to white women, the NWSA leveraged racist ideals to persuade those opposing the group. The Constitution was written and published by the NWSA itself, making it a primary source to reference the association's intention and influence regarding women's changing role in history.

This image of the National Woman Suffrage Association Executive Committee was taken in 1888. Pictured are the most influential members of the NWSA, with founders Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony at the epicenter of the group. This picture is a historical excerpt from the time and depicts a few prominent women who acted as catalysts for the National Woman Suffrage Movement. Traditionally clothed in formal, wealthy attire, the image upholds the idea that the women of the NWSA presented themselves as professional and respectable. This correlates with the dignified demeanor of the Association's efforts, portraying them in a serious manner. The members of the NWSA often conversed with prominent members of the United States government about married women’s right to own property, equal opportunities for employment and education, and equality when married.

“The Executive Committee of the National Woman Suffrage Association.” 1888

NWSA Executive Committee

Equal Rights Subscription Order Draft

"Equal Rights Subscription Order Draft." 1870

This image is extracted from the NWSA’s Equal Rights newsletter. This subscription was the official organ of the National Woman's Party. An official organ is "a printed document published by the division for notification to the public and industries in matters relating to division activities and in which official announcements may be made." This letter was used to inform suffragists who ordered the publication of the current developments of the National Woman Suffrage Association. Equal Rights distributed relevant information regarding NWSA meetings, plans, achievements, and conventions. By upholding this means of communication, the Association expanded its audience and, in turn, its influence on suffragists nationwide. They could dictate what information was being published and what was not to build their reputation as a reputable suffrage organization. This would not have been attainable without the assistance of a prominent, respectable newsletter.

International Socialist

Women's Congress

Displayed is an illustration extracted from a prominent Copenhagen newspaper, Politiken. Several influential women are depicted in the assembly of the Second Socialist International Women's Congress. The meeting was held in Copenhagen at Folkets Hus in 1910. This image is a relevant addition to the fabrication of the first International Women's Day, showcasing prevalent members of the Women's Congress. Before the Conference, the United States held numerous demonstrations and generated abundant press regarding the Universal Women's Suffrage Movement.

At the meeting in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin, recognized as the forewoman of the Women's Conference, presented the idea of hosting a day that would acknowledge women internationally. Seventeen countries participated in the gathering, and 33 of those who partook were women from Denmark. The meeting addressed "Tactics for strengthening international cooperation between socialist women. Means and tactics to secure women's right to vote and suffrage. Community care for mother and child." The image demonstrates those in charge of orchestrating a movement on such a global scale.

"International Socialist

Women's Congress Illustration."

1910

Female Protesters in Petrograd

“Female Protesters in Petrograd." 1917

This photograph is of the first Russian Women's Suffrage demonstration held in St. Petersburg. In the image, female protestors march the streets of what used to be known as Petrograd on March 8, 1917. The initial pool of demonstrators included students, young girls, and women of varying social classes. Later on, during the protest, the original marchers were joined by female textile workers from across the city. The women (and a few men) advocated for not just the rights of the female population but the ration shortages for

soldiers' children and families. The demonstration was recognized as a catalyst for the abdication of Czar Nicholas II and the Russian Revolution after women gained suffrage. This march proved to the government the importance and influence of the Women's Suffrage Movement, eventually leading the founder of Russia's Communist Party, Vladimir Lenin, to declare Woman's Day an official Soviet holiday.

“Women Workers and Peasants: To the Polls, All of You! From Ranks with the Men

Under the Red Banner. Let Us Terrify the Bourgeoisie!” 1925

Women Workers

and Peasants

The third and final display item included in this exhibit is a poster. The piece displays powerful women amid demonstrations against the bourgeoisie and the loaded Soviet elections. Their attire indicates that these women were part of the working class or peasant population based on their workers' aprons and hair secured beneath what looked like scarves or rags. Though this flyer depicts women marching after IWD was founded, the image represents how demonstrators were inspired by this newfound power to the people. Women recognized that when united against suffrage, they had a massive influence on the government and their country's patriarchal political foundations that otherwise wouldn't have been attainable without the first IWD. This impact is prevalent in the man illustrated as well. The character is dressed in a suit and hat, with fancy shoes, a round figure, and white skin, and is synonymous with the typical capitalist politician. With disregard for the Soviet on the ground, the protestors press forth toward change and

eradicating Soviet propaganda.