The Women's Suffrage Movement: Sally Roesch Wagner, a Trailblazing Suffragist in the Mountain West

The women's suffrage movement in the United States was a long and arduous struggle that ultimately culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Along the way, countless women and men dedicated their lives to the cause, fighting tirelessly for the right of women to vote. One such figure was Sally Roesch Wagner, a tireless suffragist who played a pivotal role in the movement in the Mountain West.

The Women's Suffrage Movement

by Sally Roesch Wagner

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1483 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	556 pages

FREE

Sally Roesch Wagner: A Life of Activism

Sally Roesch was born in 1854 in Indiana, the daughter of a Methodist minister. From a young age, she was exposed to the ideals of equality and social justice, which would shape her life's work. In 1875, she married Fred Wagner, a doctor and fellow activist, and the couple moved to Nevada in 1879.

Wagner quickly became involved in the local women's suffrage movement, joining the Nevada Woman Suffrage Association in 1881. She quickly rose through the ranks, serving as the organization's president from 1888 to 1897. Under her leadership, the association grew in strength and influence, and Nevada became one of the first states in the West to grant women the right to vote in school board elections (1891).

The Fight for Full Suffrage

Wagner's sights were set on full suffrage, however, and she continued to campaign tirelessly for a constitutional amendment that would enfranchise women in all elections. In 1898, she led a successful campaign to create a joint committee in the Nevada legislature to consider a suffrage amendment. Although the amendment ultimately failed, Wagner's efforts laid the groundwork for future victories.

In 1911, Wagner helped to found the National Council of Women Voters (NCWV),a non-partisan organization dedicated to advocating for women's rights. She served as the organization's president from 1914 to 1916, using her influence to promote suffrage at the national level.

A Triumphant Victory

The women's suffrage movement reached its culmination in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment. Wagner had played an instrumental role in this victory, and she was on hand at the White House on August 26, 1920, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the amendment into law.

Legacy and Impact

Sally Roesch Wagner's legacy as a suffragist is undeniable. She was a tireless advocate for women's rights, and her efforts helped to pave the way for the passage of the 19th Amendment. Her work also had a lasting impact on the women's movement, and the National Council of Women Voters continues to be a powerful force for social change today.

The women's suffrage movement was a complex and multifaceted struggle, and Sally Roesch Wagner was one of its most influential leaders. Her unwavering dedication, strategic thinking, and collaborative spirit played a vital role in the movement's success. Today, we can look back on her life with gratitude and admiration, knowing that she made an invaluable contribution to the fight for women's rights.

The Women's Suffrage Movement

by Sally Roesch Wagner

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1483 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	556 pages

FREE