=The Leading Facts.= _1._ Women shared the hardships and dangers
of the early colonists. _2._ They did heroic service during the
Revolution and in the later progress of the nation; but they had
no legal or political rights. _3._ Leaders arose among the women
demanding for their sex the same rights and privileges that men
had. _4._ As a girl Elizabeth Cady Stanton became indignant at
what she found to be the unequal position of women in almost every
walk of life; she resolved to devote her life to the struggle for
the rights of women. _5._ In 1848 she called the first woman's
rights convention, where she made the first public demand for woman
suffrage. _6._ She met Susan B. Anthony, a school teacher, and won
her to the cause. _7._ Together they organized the National Woman's
Suffrage Association. _8._ Their great work succeeded in making
woman suffrage an election issue in many states. _9._ By 1915
eleven states had been won to woman suffrage; some voting rights
had been won in twenty-two other states.
_10._ Julia Ward Howe was the daughter of wealthy parents and knew
little of work. _11._ She began to write poetry early. _12._ When
the Civil War broke out Mrs. Howe wanted to be of service to the
Union. _13._ She wrote "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," a song
that proved a great aid to victory since it cheered the soldiers in
the field. _14._ After the war Mrs. Howe established women's clubs
in all parts of the country for self-improvement among the women,
and for social service.
_15._ Harriet Beecher Stowe as a girl was apt at writing. _16._ She
resolved to use her talent to help the slaves. _17._ _Uncle Tom's
Cabin_ helped the North to win the victory by uniting the people
against slavery. _18._ Frances E. Willard was raised in Wisconsin
in frontier days. _19._ In school she stood at the head of her
class. _20._ Joined the anti-saloon crusade; became president of
the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and later of the National
Union. _21._ Declared herself in favor of woman suffrage. _22._
As president of the World's Woman's Christian Temperance Union,
Miss Willard united the women of the world in a world union for
the protection of the home. _23._ Clara Barton took up the work of
nursing after the first battles of the Civil War. _24._ First in
the hospitals of Washington, she finally went to the battle fields
in order to give the wounded immediate help. _25._ The Red Cross
Society was founded in Europe; a branch was established in the
United States by Miss Barton. _26._ Following the great earthquake
and fire in San Francisco in 1906, the Red Cross did heroic work in
aiding the 250,000 people left homeless and without food.
_27._ Jane Addams while traveling in Europe was touched by the
sight of the poverty and misery everywhere. _28._ She determined
to devote herself and her fortune to make better and brighter the
lives of the poor. _29._ She established the Hull House Social
Settlement in Chicago.
=Study Questions.= _1._ How did women aid in the progress of the
nation? _2._ What did they do during the Revolution? during the
Civil War? _3._ What was their position in law and in affairs of
government? _4._ Who was the first to champion woman suffrage?
_5._ Describe Elizabeth Cady in her girlhood. What was her opinion
of boys and girls? _6._ To what did she determine to devote her
life? _7._ What was the purpose of the woman's rights convention?
_8._ What demand was first publicly made at this convention? _9._
What was Miss Anthony's occupation before she met Mrs. Stanton?
_10._ Describe the work of these two women for the cause of woman's
rights. _11._ In 1915 how many states had granted women the right
to vote? _12._ Why did Julia Ward Howe know so little of work?
_13._ What did she like to do? _14._ What sights did she see in
Washington in 1861? _15._ What did she do to serve her country?
_16._ How could a song count much for victory? _17._ What was the
purpose of women's clubs? _18._ How did Harriet Beecher Stowe
serve her country? _19._ What book did she write? What was its
effect? _20._ Describe Frances Willard's girlhood, her home, and
surroundings. _21._ Why did Miss Willard take up temperance work?
_22._ Did Miss Willard work hard for temperance, woman's rights,
and protection of the home? What makes you think so? _23._ How did
Miss Willard become of international influence? _24._ Where did
Clara Barton begin her work of nursing the wounded? _25._ Where
did she go then, and why? _26._ Where was the Red Cross Society
founded? _27._ What was its purpose? _28._ What great service does
it perform in time of peace? _29._ What was the result of the San
Francisco earthquake? _30._ How did the Red Cross relieve the
distress? _31._ How did the sight of poverty and suffering affect
Jane Addams? _32._ What did she determine to do? _33._ What did
she establish in Chicago? _34._ What did the Social Settlement
accomplish? _35._ Was it a success?
=Suggested Readings.= Wade, _The Light Bringers_, 64-111, 142-171;
Adams, _Heroines of Modern Progress_.