FocusWomen who challenged the

limitations set in place for their gender during their respective

life periods.  Four of our women were involved in politics and two

were entertainers.

Victoria Woodhull:

The First Woman to run for president

1838-1927

Woodhull’s Challenges

The time period of her run for presidency was when women had limited rights. Women did not have the right to vote or contribute anything that was outside the home.

Overcoming her challenges..

She was the first woman to address

congress.

Woodhull for President

In 1870 she announced she would

run for president of the United States under the Equal

Rights Party

Notorious Victoria

Woodhull was also a strong supporter of free love and was notorious for giving a little to much love away. Her scandalous love affairs overshadowed what she overcame.

Significance

• She is significant to US women’s history because she gave women a voice and tried to overcome boundaries set in place for women.

In her words…While others of my sex devoted themselves to a crusade against the laws that shackle the women of the country, I asserted my individual independence; while others prayed for the good time coming, I worked for it; while others argued the equality of woman with man, I proved it by successfully engaging in business; while others sought to show that there was no valid reason why women should be treated, socially and politically, as being inferior to man, I boldly entered the arena of politics and business and exercised the rights to speak for the unenfranchised women of the country, and believing as I do that the prejudices which still exist in the popular mind against women in public life will soon disappear, I now announce myself as a candidate for the Presidency.

 

Woodhull’s speech continued

• I boldly entered the arena of politics and business and exercised the rights to speak for the unenfranchised women of the country, and believing as I do that the prejudices which still exist in the popular mind against women in public life will soon disappear, I now announce myself as a candidate for the Presidency.

Clara Foltz

(1849-1934)

California

Challenges Foltz faced

• In 1872, lack of economic stability from her farmer husband, forced the family to move west for better opportunities, in theme with the Great Migration.

• A graduate of a seminary, began to study at a judges office to support her five children after her husband deserted her.

Challenges continued…

• Foltz was denied admission to a law school because of her sex.

• California state law only allowed “white male” individuals to become members of the bar.

How she Overcame her challenges

• Foltz sued Hastings College of Law, representing herself, and won admission.

• After passing the bar, Foltz authored and lobbied for a state bill, known as the Women Lawyer’s Bill. She was met will great opposition, largely from uneducated white men, but the bill passed and Foltz became the first female lawyer on the west coast.

Clara Foltz’s Significance

• Clara Foltz improved the justice system for all persons; she created the system of public defense and the model for today’s California Parole System.

Significance continued…

• Clara Foltz’s efforts extended into women’s voting rights. She became the first woman to be appointed to State Board of Corrections, first female licensed Notary Public, first woman director of a major bank and first woman to run for California governor in 1930.

Margaret Brown:

Later known as…

“Unsinkable Molly Brown”

1867-1932

Significance

• Notable for her efforts aboard the Titanic and the work afterword to make sure every survivor was taken care of when the ship docked

Advocator of women’s rights

• She was an advocator of women’s rights and rights to works

• She was a key person in finding a resolution after the Ludlow Massacre

Accomplishments

• She formed the Colorado chapter of the National Women’s Suffrage association.

• Gained celebrity status for efforts on the Titanic.

• Set up a committee that lended money and support for the survivors of the wreck.

Accomplishments continued…

• After her efforts to find a resolution for the surviving workers of the Ludlow Massacre she retired to her home in Colorado. She then took up drama and singing, while continuing to be a part of the Colorado chapter of women’s rights.

Marian Anderson: Inspiring Opera Singer

1897-1993Born in Philadelphia

Challenges: African American families in the

1900’s   -Low paying jobs   -Racial prejudice

-Segregation laws -Educational setbacks

-Discrimination 

Marian defeating her challenges

* Continued to follow her passion of singing despite the constant hatred and ridicule she received from being an African American women.

* Landed a recording contract in 1930

Defeating Challenges Continued

-Performed at the Lincoln Memorial

Concert on Sunday April 9, 1939

- Became the first black women to ever perform at the

Metropolitan Opera in 1955

 

Marian Anderson’s Significance

• Her performances acted has major steps in the advancements of civil rights

• She became a civil rights icon and a power symbol for racial pride

Anderson’s significance continued

• Marian Anderson became a monument herself and challenged the beliefs of a culture that was full of discrimination and racial hostility

 

Shirley Temple

A Child Star during The Great

Depression and a Political

Leader for 27 Years

1928-Present

Child Star

Shirley Temple began as a child star at age 3 in numerous

short films called “Baby Burlesks.” By 1934, at age 6, she got her first starring role in the FOX film

“Stand Up and Cheer.”

 

Bringing laughter to the great depression

• By the time she was 12 years old she made over 44 films during The

Great Depression. She was truly a

Child Star Sensation.

Temple in Politics

• In the mid 1960s, Shirley Temple began in politics as a Republican Activist. She was appointed in 1969 as the Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and later the Ambassador to Czechoslovakia.

Temple in Politics

• She was the first women to ever be appointed as the White House Chief of Protocol

in 1976.

The Cutest little star…

Remember her as….

• Shirley Temple is one of the most notorious child stars. She will forever be remembered as the littlest movie star with an incredible talent. She has been a role model to many people and has been one of the first women to break boundaries in politics. She has made a huge impact on United State History and will forever be remembered.

Conclusion

• Foltz, Woodhull, Brown and Temple all broke limitations set in place for women in politics. Anderson and Temple were successful women in entertainment.