What changed the attitudes of Western lawmakers about giving women voting rights?
Westerners have tended to be more liberal and open to new ideas than Easterners.
Which problems in the 1890s led farmers to take political action?
The changing attitudes of Western lawmakers towards giving women voting rights can be attributed to several factors. To understand these changes, we need to consider the historical context and the various movements and events that influenced public opinion.
1. Suffrage Movements: The suffrage movements, also known as the women's suffrage or women's rights movements, played a crucial role in raising awareness about gender inequality and advocating for women's right to vote. Activists organized rallies, protests, and campaigns, highlighting the importance of women's political participation. These efforts gradually shifted public opinion and put pressure on lawmakers to reconsider their stance on women's suffrage.
2. Progressive Era Reforms: The Progressive Era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a wave of social and political reforms. Many reformers, both male and female, believed that extending voting rights to women was necessary for achieving a more just and democratic society. These reform movements focused on concerns such as child labor, temperance, and social welfare reforms, and the inclusion of women in the political process was seen as crucial for addressing these issues effectively.
3. World War I: The outbreak of World War I in 1914 had a significant impact on the suffrage movement. Women increasingly participated in wartime efforts, taking up jobs traditionally held by men and contributing to the war effort. Their contributions during the war highlighted their capabilities and the need for their political empowerment. Governments recognized the valuable role played by women and began to reassess their attitudes towards granting them voting rights as a reward for their contributions and sacrifices.
4. Social and Cultural Shifts: Western societies experienced significant social and cultural changes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The notion of gender equality was gaining traction as society questioned traditional gender roles and norms. Increased access to education, broader opportunities for women in the workforce, and changing ideas about women's rights and abilities led to a shift in public opinion. As attitudes towards women's roles in society evolved, lawmakers gradually recognized the need for women's political representation.
5. Political Calculations: Lawmakers also made strategic calculations based on political considerations. Recognizing the increasing demand for women's suffrage, politicians began to align themselves with the cause to gain political support and secure the women's vote. Some lawmakers may have also realized that expanding democratic participation by including women would strengthen the legitimacy of the government and enhance its democratic credentials.
It is important to note that the speed and extent of the changes in attitudes towards women's suffrage varied across different countries and regions. The struggle for women's right to vote was often a long and arduous process that involved countless individuals and organizations working towards social and political change.