The Split in the American Equal Rights Association

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 97 views

The American Equal Rights Association: A Divided Legacy

The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1870, granted African American men the right to vote. However, the road to this milestone was marked by controversy and division within the American Equal Rights Association (AERA). In 1868, the AERA split into two organizations, each with distinct positions on the 15th Amendment. In this article, we will explore the positions of the resulting groups and examine the implications of their divisions.

The Split in the American Equal Rights Association

The American Equal Rights Association was founded in 1866 with the goal of securing equal rights for women and African Americans. The organization's leadership, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, was committed to achieving universal suffrage, which would grant the right to vote to all citizens, regardless of sex or race. However, as the 15th Amendment gained momentum, the AERA's membership began to fracture over the issue of whether to support the amendment.

The New York State Woman Suffrage Association

One of the resulting organizations was the New York State Woman Suffrage Association (NYSWSA), which opposed the 15th Amendment. The NYSWSA argued that granting the right to vote to African American men would undermine the women's suffrage movement and divert attention away from the issue of women's rights. They believed that women's suffrage was a more pressing concern and that the 15th Amendment would ultimately harm the cause of women's equality.

The National Woman Suffrage Association

The other resulting organization was the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA), which supported the 15th Amendment. The NWSA, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, believed that the 15th Amendment was a necessary step towards achieving universal suffrage. They argued that granting the right to vote to African American men would pave the way for women's suffrage and ultimately lead to a more equal society.

The Positions of the Resulting Groups

So, which statement best describes the positions of the resulting groups? The correct answer is:

B. One new organization opposed, and the other supported the 15th Amendment

The New York State Woman Suffrage Association opposed the 15th Amendment, while the National Woman Suffrage Association supported it. The divisions within the AERA reflected the complex and often contentious nature of the women's suffrage movement during this period.

The Implications of the Divisions

The split in the AERA had significant implications for the women's suffrage movement. The NWSA's support for the 15th Amendment helped to galvanize the movement and pave the way for future gains. However, the opposition to the 15th Amendment from the NYSWSA reflected the deep-seated concerns and biases that existed within the movement.

The Legacy of the American Equal Rights Association

The American Equal Rights Association's legacy is complex and multifaceted. While the organization's divisions reflected the challenges and controversies of the time, they also highlight the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States. The AERA's commitment to universal suffrage and equal rights continues to inspire social justice movements today.

Conclusion

The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was a significant milestone in the struggle for equal rights in the United States. However, the divisions within the American Equal Rights Association reflect the complex and often contentious nature of the women's suffrage movement during this period. The resulting groups, the New York State Woman Suffrage Association and the National Woman Suffrage Association, had distinct positions on the 15th Amendment, which ultimately shaped the course of the women's suffrage movement.

References

Flexner, E. (1975). Century of struggle: The woman's rights movement in the United States. Harvard University Press.
Giddings, P. (1984). When and where I entered: The impact of women on the American experience. William Morrow and Company.
Stanton, E. C., & Anthony, S. B. (1887). History of woman suffrage. Susan B. Anthony Collection, Library of Congress.
Frequently Asked Questions: The American Equal Rights Association and the 15th Amendment

The American Equal Rights Association (AERA) was a pivotal organization in the struggle for equal rights in the United States. The AERA's split in 1868, resulting in two organizations with distinct positions on the 15th Amendment, has been the subject of much debate and discussion. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the AERA and the 15th Amendment.

Q: What was the American Equal Rights Association?

A: The American Equal Rights Association was a organization founded in 1866 with the goal of securing equal rights for women and African Americans. The organization's leadership, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, was committed to achieving universal suffrage, which would grant the right to vote to all citizens, regardless of sex or race.

Q: Why did the AERA split in 1868?

A: The AERA split in 1868 due to disagreements over the 15th Amendment, which granted African American men the right to vote. Some members of the AERA, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, supported the 15th Amendment, while others, including the New York State Woman Suffrage Association, opposed it.

Q: What was the New York State Woman Suffrage Association's position on the 15th Amendment?

A: The New York State Woman Suffrage Association opposed the 15th Amendment, arguing that granting the right to vote to African American men would undermine the women's suffrage movement and divert attention away from the issue of women's rights.

Q: What was the National Woman Suffrage Association's position on the 15th Amendment?

A: The National Woman Suffrage Association, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, supported the 15th Amendment, believing that it was a necessary step towards achieving universal suffrage and paving the way for women's suffrage.

Q: What were the implications of the AERA's split?

A: The AERA's split had significant implications for the women's suffrage movement. The National Woman Suffrage Association's support for the 15th Amendment helped to galvanize the movement and pave the way for future gains, while the opposition to the 15th Amendment from the New York State Woman Suffrage Association reflected the deep-seated concerns and biases that existed within the movement.

Q: What is the legacy of the American Equal Rights Association?

A: The American Equal Rights Association's legacy is complex and multifaceted. While the organization's divisions reflected the challenges and controversies of the time, they also highlight the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States. The AERA's commitment to universal suffrage and equal rights continues to inspire social justice movements today.

Q: What can we learn from the AERA's experience?

A: The AERA's experience teaches us the importance of unity and cooperation in the pursuit of social justice. The organization's divisions reflect the challenges of working towards a common goal in the face of disagreement and opposition. However, the AERA's legacy also highlights the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

Q: How did the 15th Amendment impact the women's suffrage movement?

A: The 15th Amendment had a significant impact on the women's suffrage movement, paving the way for future gains and galvanizing the movement. However, the amendment also reflected the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States, highlighting the need for continued activism and advocacy.

Q: What is the significance of the 15th Amendment today?

A: The 15th Amendment remains a significant milestone in the struggle for equal rights in the United States. The amendment's guarantee of the right to vote to all citizens, regardless of sex or race, continues to inspire social justice movements today. The amendment's legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States.

References

Flexner, E. (1975). Century of struggle: The woman's rights movement in the United States. Harvard University Press.
Giddings, P. (1984). When and where I entered: The impact of women on the American experience. William Morrow and Company.
Stanton, E. C., & Anthony, S. B. (1887). History of woman suffrage. Susan B. Anthony Collection, Library of Congress.