Date Approved
2024
Degree Type
Open Access Senior Honors Thesis
Department or School
Geography and Geology
First Advisor
John Wegner, Ph. D.
Second Advisor
Christopher A. Gellasch, Ph. D.
Third Advisor
Christine Clark, Ph. D.
Abstract
The struggle for women’s rights was long fought throughout American history and Michigan played a vital role in the movement’s success. This thesis explores three monumental eras that shaped the struggle for women’s suffrage in Michigan, detailing the evolution from the 1860s Civil War Era through the late 19th and early 20th century Progressive Era. The first era highlights how the Civil War provided women opportunities to challenge prevailing gender conventions and express political opinions. The second era examines the 1874 election, when suffrage was on the ballot but ultimately defeated, largely due to the Beecher-Tilton Scandal that tarnished the reputations of the movement’s leaders. The final era covers the Progressive Era, in which women harnessed symbols and united efforts to push their message forward. This study relies on both traditional written text as well as the creation of period costumes and symbols to tell its story, demonstrating that reproduction objects can be used to bring the past into the present which is especially useful for historical interpreters. The author relies on primary sources, such as handwritten poems, fashion plates from women’s magazines, and newspapers, to produce the narrative and reproduce period costumes and symbols. Through this research, it is revealed that the journey to women’s enfranchisement in Michigan was fraught with setbacks and scandals but succeeded through dedication and perseverance. Despite numerous obstacles, the suffragists’ enduring legacy continues to inspire modern women to fight for their rights.
Recommended Citation
Bennett, Anna, "Battles, bustles, and ballots: The struggle for Michigan women's enfranchisement" (2024). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 838.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/838
