Foreword
During America’s beginnings, the colonies used the English system to decide what women’s role would be in their new society. For example, women could not own property in their own names. The 13 original States all prohibited women from voting. By the twentieth century, customs were changing. By 1900, all States legislated that women could keep their own earnings and own property, and in 1920, women had the right to vote. In December 1923, a proposed equal rights amendment to the U.S. Constitution, written by suffragist Alice Paul, was introduced in Congress. “Men and women shall have equal rights throughout…
