Women in politics: Key dates in U.S. history
Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president, is the first woman to be at the top of the presidential ticket of a major party. But that milestone was preceded by many others as women fought for a role in the U.S. political process. And some of the biggest events took place in upstate New York.
Here are a few of the key milestones.
1848
About 300 people attend the first convention for women's rights in Seneca Falls, New York. The Declaration of Sentiments — signed by 68 women and 32 men — said "it is the duty of the women of this country to secure to themselves their sacred right to the elective franchise."
1869
The National Woman Suffrage Association is formed by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Its goal was to achieve voting rights for women.
The Wyoming territorial legislature grants women the right to vote.
1872
Susan B. Anthony is arrested in Rochester for voting. She was convicted and fined $100, which she refused to pay.
Victoria Woodhull becomes the first female presidential candidate, running as the nominee of the Equal Rights Party.
1913
Thousands, urging the right to vote, march down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., the day before President Woodrow Wilson's inauguration.
1916
Jeannette Rankin of Montana wins a seat in the House of Representatives, becoming the first woman elected to Congress.
1920
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing women the right to vote, becomes law. The signing of the legislation was the culmination of 72 years of struggle.
1932
Hattie Caraway, representing Arkansas, becomes the first woman elected to the U.S Senate.
1963
Congress approves the Equal Pay Act, intended to eliminate wage discrimination based on sex.
1964
The Civil Rights Act is enacted. This federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex as well as race, color, religion and national origin.
1968
Shirley Chisholm, representing the 12th District in New York City, becomes the first African-American woman elected to Congress. She unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972.
1972
Equal Rights Amendment is approved by Congress but eventually died in 1982 after too few states supported its ratification. A federal law, Title IX, approved that year, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal funds.
1973
The Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court holds that the right to privacy extends to a woman's decision to have an abortion.
1981
Sandra Day O'Connor becomes the first woman to serve on the U.S Supreme Court.
1984
Geraldine Ferraro, a Democrat from Queens, becomes the first woman to run for vice president on a major-party ticket.