Between Discord and Progress: Suffrage Periodicals and the Woman’s Rights Movement, 1869-1890
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
Department
Literature and Languages
Date of Award
Fall 2020
Abstract
The late 1800s marked a period of great social and political upheaval for the United States, and within this context, the Woman’s Rights Movement emerged as women began campaigning for increased social and political rights. Aided by technological advancements and emerging New Woman ideals, the moment in history proved ripe for their historical campaign. This project will argue that, despite conflicts among leadership, the suffrage periodicals sustained the Woman’s Rights Movement during their period of discord by continually evolving public consciousness and forming a new, collective identity among supporters. I will examine how three particular periodicals, the Woman’s Journal, the Woman’s Tribune, and the Woman’s Standard focused on education, legal reform, and racial tensions, respectively, to progress the precarious movement. Though divergent in individual ideals and editorial practices, suffrage periodicals loosened entrenched gender norms and paved the way towards national progress despite constant disagreement.
Advisor
Karen Roggenkamp
Subject Categories
American Studies | Arts and Humanities
Recommended Citation
Minyard, Sally, "Between Discord and Progress: Suffrage Periodicals and the Woman’s Rights Movement, 1869-1890" (2020). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 307.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/307
