Lesson 2.04 Fight for Equality

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Introduction

Central Question: What strides toward equality were made during the Progressive Era?

Have you ever felt you were treated differently because of the way you look, your gender, or your race? Well, before Progressive reforms actually became effective, women and African-Americans in our country were not given the same rights as white males and it was actually legal in most cases.

During the early 1900s, Progressivessupporters of the Progressive Movemement fought to improve many facets of life ranging from working conditions, food sanitation, to child labor. One area that they struggled to achieve complete success in was equality for both women and African-Americans. By the time the 19th AmendmentGave women the right to vote was passed in 1920, women had fought for over 100 years to achieve the right to vote.

Why did it take so long for women to get the right to vote? What does the cartoon from 1909 (below) suggest about the roles for men and women if women had the right to vote? Roll over the blue icons on the cartoon's characters and elements below.

Analyze the Cartoon text version | Open Analyze the Cartoon in a new tab

Even with the successful passage of the 19th amendment, it would be years before women realized full equality in the workplace, political arena, and elsewhere.

For African Americans, the dream of equal rights under the law did not come to fruition until four decades later with the triumphs of the Civil Rights MovementThe crusade during the 1950s and 60s set to end segregation and establish equal rights for African Americans.

Despite their shortcomings during the period, Progressive reformers achieved noteworthy accomplishments and laid the foundation for future achievement in the years to come.