100 Years Ago, The 19th Amendment Guaranteeing Women The Right To Vote Was Passed

Nov 18, 2019 by apost team

This year marks a century since the landmark 19th amendment to the American constitution passed through both chambers.

The amendment officially went into effect in 1920, with the first election including women voters taking place that same year. 

The amendment text starts off by guaranteeing all American citizens the right to vote, regardless of their gender. 

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

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The amendment came after a long struggle from women standing up for their right to be part of the American electorate, with civil unrest beginning as far as the mid 19th century. 

Although the amendment was first introduced in Congress in 1787, it would take more than three decades for it to finally come into effect. 

The historical legislation changed the landscape of the American electorate forever. However, there was still work to be done to offer the same rights to women of color and minorities as well. 

Their rights too were officially cemented with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which banned all discrimination based on race, gender, religion or national origin. 

Do you think gender equality has been achieved 100 years later? Let us know in the comments - and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!