Oregon Experience: The Suffragists

Courtesy Library of Congress

Until 1912, Oregon women lived by men’s law. They had few legal rights with little power to improve their lives or communities. That changed when women won the right to vote.

Premieres November 05, 2012, 9:00 PM
on OPB TV

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About the Program

For decades, Oregon women worked to get the vote with no success. Then, just after the turn of the twentieth century, a younger generation of women burst onto the scene. They challenged traditional society by taking on male roles and demanding change.

They came from different backgrounds, and often had different agendas. But the diversity of the movement allowed more women to become engaged in their own communities. Their experiences empowered them as they gained valuable experience in leadership, politics and civic involvement.

Together they won the vote for Oregon women, and went on to help implement social change that dramatically altered the lives of women and children, and improved working conditions for all Americans.

This era of women’s mobilization changed Oregon, and ultimately, the country.