What was the main goal of the women's suffrage movement during this period?

The women's suffrage movement during this period primarily aimed to secure the right to vote for women. This goal was central to the movement as suffragists believed that obtaining the franchise was essential for women to achieve full citizenship and equality in society. Activists campaigned vigorously for various reforms that would enhance women’s rights, but the fight for suffrage was seen as the foundational step.

The movement garnered significant momentum with key events, such as the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, which issued the Declaration of Sentiments calling for women's rights, including the right to vote. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, organizations like the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and the National Woman’s Party actively lobbied for suffrage through rallies, protests, and advocacy efforts.

While promoting women's education, achieving equal pay, and increasing women's representation in government were important issues addressed by the broader women's movement, they were not the primary focus of the suffrage movement. The fundamental belief was that without the right to vote, women would be unable to influence laws and policies that affected their lives, thus rendering these other issues less attainable. Thus, securing the right to vote was the pivotal goal that shaped the