By One Vote: Woman Suffrage in the South | The Citizenship Project | NPT

The legal status of women was akin to that of felons, lacking freedom and rights, which made their fight for suffrage inevitable, especially as race played a significant role in the movement. The struggle for women's rights was set against the backdrop of the Tennessee State Capitol, where the future of American women was at stake.

In August 1920, Tennessee's House of Representatives convened to vote on the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which would grant women the right to vote. The atmosphere was tense, with suffragists and anti-suffragists present, each anxious about the outcome of the vote that would determine the fate of women's suffrage in the nation.

The suffrage movement had deep roots in the South, where women faced unique challenges due to the region's history and social fabric. The Civil War and Reconstruction had already disrupted societal norms, and the fight for women's rights was seen as another potential upheaval, particularly in a region resistant to change.

The suffrage movement in the South was influenced by earlier abolitionist efforts, with women like the Grimke sisters advocating for both women's rights and the end of slavery. The legal and social constraints on women were severe, with married women lacking basic rights, and African American women facing even greater oppression.

The Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 marked a pivotal moment in the women's rights movement, declaring that all men and women are created equal. However, the call for suffrage was seen as radical, and while it sparked a movement, many Southern women were hesitant to join due to differing social experiences and opportunities compared to their Northern counterparts.

The Civil War shifted gender roles, with women taking on new responsibilities as men went to war. This change laid the groundwork for the suffrage movement, as women began to organize and advocate for their rights, particularly in the wake of the social upheaval that followed the war.

By the late 19th century, Southern women began to advocate for suffrage, often aligning their efforts with the political strategies of white Southern Democrats who sought to maintain power. This led to a complex relationship between race and suffrage, as leaders sought to appeal to white voters while navigating the racial dynamics of the time.

As the suffrage movement gained momentum, national leaders recognized the need to include Southern states in their strategy. However, this often meant compromising on issues of race, as they sought to attract white Southern support while sidelining the contributions of black women in the movement.

The Women's Christian Temperance Union emerged as a significant force in the South, allowing women to engage in various social issues beyond prohibition. This organization helped women develop skills in leadership and advocacy, furthering their push for suffrage and reform in their communities.

By the early 20th century, organized suffrage groups had formed in Tennessee, with women from various backgrounds joining the movement. The fight for suffrage became intertwined with broader social changes, as women sought not only the right to vote but also greater equality and representation in society.