The women’s suffrage movement in the United States and Britain played a crucial role in shaping the modern democratic landscape. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, women led powerful demonstrations and lobbying efforts in both countries to secure the right to vote. In Britain, figures like Emmeline Pankhurst organized militant protests, while in the U.S., leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Alice Stokes Paul spearheaded campaigns that culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. This collection of historical footage captures defining moments, from street demonstrations to legislative victories, illustrating the resilience and determination of these women who fought tirelessly for equality.
Iconic Moments of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in the U.S. and Britain
Our comprehensive footage captures the essence of the struggle for Women's rights, offering invaluable resources for filmmakers, historians, and educators. Explore detailed shots including:
- 00:00:14 British police restraining a female suffrage demonstrator in England
Two British policemen restrain a female protester during a women's suffrage march in England, early 1900s. Women marching for the right to vote.
- 00:00:52 Depiction of women in 19th-century societal roles
Men viewing women as too irresponsible for voting, expecting them to be a symbol of status rather than political participants. Women portrayed as sheltered from the rigors of life.
- 00:01:22 Victorian era fashion and social norms
19th-century women tightening Victorian corsets for hourglass figures. Formal ballroom dancing couples dressed in traditional 19th-century attire.
- 00:01:52 Women factory workers in the progressive era
Women working in factories during the Progressive Era (1880-1900s), representing early efforts of women's participation in the workforce.
- 00:02:26 19th-century women playing tennis
Two women playing tennis, showcasing female participation in sports in the late 19th century. Early examples of women’s athletic involvement.
- 00:03:44 Courting, marriage, and social customs in the 19th century
A couple riding bicycles, a "Just Married" sign on a horse-drawn coach, wedding party at a train station, and the newlyweds at Niagara Falls, reflecting 19th-century courting and marriage traditions.
- 00:04:54 19th-century domestic chores and household work
A woman performing household tasks: washing clothes using a scrub board, ironing with a cast iron, and cooking on a wood-burning stove. Scenes from everyday life for women in the 19th century.
- 00:05:43 Women in the workforce in the early 1900s
Women factory workers and other employment outside the home, illustrating women entering the workforce in the early 20th century.
- 00:06:19 Equality League of Self-Supporting Women and suffrage movement parades
Members of the Equality League of Self-Supporting Women (later Women's Political Union) in a 1907 suffrage parade. Women march in support of the Susan B. Anthony women's suffrage petition (1884) with signs reading "Democracy Means Everyone" and "Equal Rights."
- 00:06:52 Suffrage movement demonstrations in England
British suffrage protests featuring Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter Sylvia. Footage of Mrs. Pankhurst being arrested, demonstrators carrying banners, and police clashing with suffragettes.
- 00:09:28 Emily Wilding Davison and her sacrifice for women's rights
Close-up of Emily Wilding Davison, who stepped in front of King George V's horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby, leading to her death. Her funeral procession marks her sacrifice for women’s suffrage in Britain.
- 00:10:41 Alice Paul and U.S. women's suffrage leadership
Close-up of Alice Stokes Paul, U.S. suffragist and leader of the 1910 campaign for the 19th Amendment. Lillian Russell, an actress, speaks for women's suffrage.
- 00:13:04 Votes for Women campaign, U.S. media support in 1912
The front cover of the 1912 Saturday Evening Post features a sign that reads "Votes For Women," highlighting public support for the suffrage movement.
- 00:13:31 Anna Howard Shaw and U.S. women's suffrage leadership
Close-up of Anna Howard Shaw, leader of the U.S. suffrage movement, with Mrs. Lillian Capp.
- 00:14:04 British women in WWI supporting the war effort
British women supporting the war effort in WWI by selling bonds, working on farms, replacing men in factories, and joining the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps (QMAAC). Footage of women on military troop trains.
- 00:16:16 Women's suffrage march in New York City, 1915
Large suffrage demonstration in New York City in 1915. In 1916, suffragists oppose President Woodrow Wilson's re-election, advocating for women's voting rights.
- 00:17:26 Newspaper headlines celebrate women's suffrage victories
Newspaper headlines from Idaho, California, and Illinois announcing women's suffrage victories. By 1917, women in 17 states could vote for president, while women in 31 states still lacked voting rights.
- 00:19:24 Alice Paul's group pickets the White House for suffrage
Alice Stokes Paul and Quaker suffragists picket the White House, are jailed, mistreated, and later released. They tour the country in prison garb to rally support for suffrage.
- 00:20:14 Women serving in WWI abroad
American women serving on the battlefront as Red Cross and YMCA workers during WWI. Footage of women reviewed by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- 00:21:18 President encourages Congress to pass the 19th Amendment
On September 30, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson urges Congress to pass the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, but suffrage marches continue as the amendment stalls.
- 00:20:20 Signing of the 19th Amendment, June 1919
Congress passes the Susan B. Anthony Amendment in June 1919, granting women the right to vote in national elections.
- 00:20:32 Tennessee ratifies the 19th Amendment, 1920
Tennessee becomes the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment in 1920, securing the right to vote for U.S. women. The "Woman Suffrage Party of LA" rejoices in Nashville as the deciding vote is cast.
Each shot in this detailed list not only captures a moment in time but tells the story of the Women's Suffrage Movement. Perfect for documentary
filmmakers, historical researchers, and educational projects seeking authentic visual narratives.