Votes for Women (speech) facts for kids

Votes for Women was a famous saying during the time when women in the United States were fighting for the right to vote. This important phrase was also the title of a speech given on January 20, 1901. The speech was made by a well-known American writer and humorist named Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who you might know better as Mark Twain.

In his speech, Mark Twain strongly supported women getting the full right to vote in elections. He even made a prediction that women would have this right within 25 years. His prediction came true! The Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote, was passed by the United States Congress in 1919. It was then approved by all the states in 1920.

Mark Twain's Speech for Women's Votes

Mark Twain's speech, titled "Votes for Women," was a big deal. He used his fame to speak up for something he believed in strongly. He wanted women to have the same rights as men when it came to voting. This was a time when many people thought women should not vote.

What Was the Speech About?

In his speech, Twain argued that women should be able to vote. He believed they were just as capable as men to make decisions about their country. He spoke about how important it was for everyone to have a voice in the government. He was ahead of his time in many ways.

When Did Women Get the Right to Vote?

Mark Twain's prediction was very accurate. He said women would get the right to vote within 25 years. The 19th Amendment was passed in 1919 and officially became law in 1920. This amendment made it illegal to stop someone from voting because of their gender. It was a huge step for women's rights in the U.S.

Where Was the Speech Given?

Mark Twain gave his "Votes for Women" speech at a special event. It was the Annual Meeting of the Hebrew Technical School for Girls. This meeting took place at the Temple Emanu-El in New York City.