2.1 FACTORS: LIFESTYLE OF THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY Women were viewed as second-class citizens at the start of the 20th century and were outsiders in the political systems of American life. They also faced ongoing discrimination in politics. The major foundations of the century included nationalism, globalization, and reformation. The standard of living greatly improved, as poverty was reduced, awareness of environmental degradation increased, and advancements in medical care were made. However, with such improvements, women still faced discrimination and backlash for wanting equality. As such, this movement threatens traditional gender roles, personal political power, and religious beliefs. Many people, including both men and women, held conservative views that were resistant to the suffrage movement, as they believed it would be a catalyst for other movements and lead to further societal changes, which in fact did. During the early 20th century, women were confined to their homes with their responsibility in society laid in raising their children and providing for their …show more content…
The Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls of 1848, is considered the beginning of the women’s rights movement, even so, it would still take women another 70 years to gain the right to vote due to the consensus that women’s involvement in politics would undermine society. Such societies as the National Woman Suffrage Association and American Woman Suffrage Association failed in court to gain the right to vote. The common white man viewed the involvement of women in politics as a threat to the established social and political order of America. This fear is attributed to a desire to maintain control and resist changes that would weaken their authority and identity in society, which can be perceived as a psychological defense mechanism. 2.3 FACTORS: SUFFRAGE PROTESTS But by the turn of the 20th century, the women's suffrage movement had gained renewed momentum. The number of states and territories grew in support of this, expanding the right of voting to women. As protests took place and women’s political power grew, so did the danger they faced. Authorities often brutally suppress female suffragists. This brutal