When Did Susan B Anthony Get Arrested

The year was 1872, a time of fervent political debate and social change in the United States. Ulysses S. Grant was running for reelection, and the nation was still grappling with the aftermath of the Civil War. Amid this backdrop, a determined and passionate woman named Susan B. Anthony stood at the forefront of the women's suffrage movement. Anthony, a staunch advocate for women's rights, believed that women deserved the right to vote, just like men. This conviction led her to take a bold and defiant action that would forever mark her place in history.

On a crisp November morning, Susan B. Anthony, along with a group of courageous women, walked into a polling place in Rochester, New York, and cast their ballots in the presidential election. This act of civil disobedience was a direct challenge to the laws of the time, which explicitly denied women the right to vote. As expected, her actions did not go unnoticed. Shortly after, a U.S. Commissioner issued a warrant for her arrest, charging her with the crime of illegally voting. The arrest of Susan B. Anthony was a pivotal moment in the fight for women's suffrage, galvanizing the movement and bringing national attention to the injustice of denying women the right to vote. This article delves into the details surrounding when Susan B. Anthony got arrested, the events leading up to it, the trial that followed, and the lasting impact of her actions on the women's rights movement.

Main Subheading

The arrest of Susan B. Anthony in 1872 was not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of years of activism and advocacy for women's rights. Anthony, born in 1820, had dedicated her life to various social reform movements, including abolition, temperance, and women's rights. She believed strongly that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men, including the right to vote.

In the years leading up to her arrest, Anthony worked tirelessly to raise awareness about women's suffrage and to lobby for changes in state and federal laws. She co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) with Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1869, an organization dedicated to achieving voting rights for women through a federal constitutional amendment. Despite facing significant opposition and ridicule, Anthony and her fellow suffragists persisted in their efforts, organizing meetings, giving speeches, and circulating petitions to gather support for their cause. Their relentless activism laid the groundwork for the events that would unfold in Rochester, New York, in November 1872.

Comprehensive Overview

The Setting: 19th-Century America

To fully understand the significance of Susan B. Anthony's arrest, it's essential to consider the social and political context of 19th-century America. At the time, women were largely excluded from the public sphere and denied many of the rights and privileges enjoyed by men. They were expected to focus on domestic duties and were often seen as intellectually inferior to men.

Legally, women had limited rights. Married women, in particular, faced numerous restrictions, including the inability to own property, control their earnings, or enter into contracts without their husband's permission. In most states, women were also denied the right to vote, serve on juries, or hold public office. These legal limitations reinforced the prevailing social norms that relegated women to a subordinate role in society.

The Fourteenth Amendment

The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, played a crucial role in Susan B. Anthony's decision to vote and, subsequently, her arrest. The amendment aimed to protect the rights of newly freed slaves by granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and guaranteeing equal protection under the law.

Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment states: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

Susan B. Anthony and other suffragists argued that women were citizens and therefore entitled to all the rights and privileges of citizenship, including the right to vote. They believed that the Fourteenth Amendment implicitly granted women suffrage, as it prohibited states from abridging the privileges or immunities of citizens. This interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment formed the legal basis for Anthony's decision to vote in the 1872 election.

The Arrest

On November 5, 1872, Susan B. Anthony and a group of women registered to vote in Rochester, New York. When they appeared at the polls to cast their ballots, election officials initially hesitated to allow them to vote. However, after Anthony persuasively argued that the Fourteenth Amendment guaranteed their right to vote as citizens, the officials relented and allowed them to cast their ballots.

News of Anthony's audacious act spread quickly, and it wasn't long before federal authorities took notice. On November 18, 1872, a U.S. Commissioner issued a warrant for her arrest, charging her with violating Section 19 of the Enforcement Act of 1870, which made it a crime for any person to knowingly vote without having the legal right to vote.

Anthony was arrested at her home and brought before a U.S. Commissioner for arraignment. Despite facing the possibility of a hefty fine and imprisonment, Anthony remained defiant and steadfast in her belief that she had done nothing wrong. She argued that as a citizen, she had a constitutional right to vote and that the laws denying women suffrage were unjust and discriminatory.

The Trial

Susan B. Anthony's trial began in June 1873 in Canandaigua, New York. The trial was presided over by Supreme Court Justice Ward Hunt, who was known to be unsympathetic to the cause of women's suffrage. From the outset, it was clear that the trial was not going to be a fair and impartial proceeding.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that Anthony had knowingly violated the law by voting without having the legal right to do so. They presented evidence that she had registered to vote and cast a ballot in the 1872 election, despite being a woman and therefore ineligible to vote under the laws of New York at the time.

Anthony's defense team, led by her attorney Henry Selden, argued that she had acted in good faith, believing that the Fourteenth Amendment guaranteed her right to vote as a citizen. They argued that the laws denying women suffrage were unconstitutional and violated the principles of equality and justice.

Despite the compelling arguments presented by the defense, Justice Hunt was not persuaded. He interrupted the proceedings several times, preventing Anthony from testifying on her own behalf and directing the jury to deliver a guilty verdict. In his instructions to the jury, Hunt stated that the only question before them was whether Anthony had indeed voted, not whether she had a right to vote.

The Verdict and Sentence

After a brief deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict, as directed by Justice Hunt. Anthony was convicted of illegally voting and brought before the court for sentencing.

Before Justice Hunt could pronounce the sentence, Anthony rose to address the court. In a powerful and eloquent statement, she challenged the legitimacy of the proceedings and asserted her right to speak out against injustice. She argued that she had been denied her fundamental rights as a citizen and that the trial was a mockery of justice.

In response to Anthony's impassioned plea, Justice Hunt ordered her to be silent. However, Anthony persisted, demanding to know whether she was to be denied her right to a jury trial and the assistance of counsel.

Ultimately, Justice Hunt fined Susan B. Anthony $100 and the costs of prosecution. In a final act of defiance, Anthony declared that she would never pay the fine, vowing to continue fighting for women's suffrage until all women were granted the right to vote.

Trends and Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Susan B. Anthony and her contributions to the women's rights movement. Her story has been featured in books, documentaries, and films, bringing her legacy to a wider audience.

One notable trend is the effort to commemorate Anthony's achievements through public art and historical markers. Statues and monuments have been erected in her honor in various cities, including Rochester, New York, and Washington, D.C. These tributes serve as reminders of her unwavering commitment to gender equality and her role in shaping American history.

Another significant development is the ongoing debate over the relevance of Anthony's ideas in contemporary society. While her advocacy for women's suffrage is widely celebrated, some critics argue that her views on other issues, such as race and class, were problematic. These discussions highlight the complexities of historical figures and the need for a nuanced understanding of their legacies.

Professional insights suggest that Susan B. Anthony's impact extends beyond the realm of politics and law. Her story serves as an inspiration to activists and advocates working on a wide range of social justice issues. Her courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to her principles continue to resonate with those who seek to create a more just and equitable world.

Tips and Expert Advice

Understand Your Rights

Susan B. Anthony was well-versed in the legal and constitutional arguments for women's suffrage. She understood the importance of knowing her rights as a citizen and using that knowledge to challenge discriminatory laws.

To emulate Anthony's approach, it's essential to educate yourself about your rights and responsibilities as a citizen. This includes understanding your constitutional rights, as well as the laws and regulations that affect your daily life. By knowing your rights, you can better advocate for yourself and others and challenge injustices when you encounter them.

Advocate for Change

Susan B. Anthony was not content to simply accept the status quo. She actively worked to change the laws and policies that discriminated against women. She organized meetings, gave speeches, circulated petitions, and lobbied lawmakers to advance the cause of women's suffrage.

To follow in Anthony's footsteps, look for opportunities to advocate for change in your community. This could involve contacting your elected officials, participating in protests or demonstrations, or joining advocacy groups that are working on issues you care about. Remember that even small actions can make a big difference when they are multiplied across a large number of people.

Persevere in the Face of Adversity

Susan B. Anthony faced significant opposition and ridicule throughout her career. She was arrested, tried, and convicted for her activism. Despite these challenges, she never gave up on her fight for women's rights.

One of the most important lessons we can learn from Susan B. Anthony is the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Change often comes slowly and requires sustained effort over a long period of time. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or failures. Instead, learn from your experiences and keep moving forward.

Build Coalitions

Susan B. Anthony understood the importance of building coalitions with other like-minded individuals and groups. She co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and worked with abolitionists, temperance advocates, and other reformers to advance her cause.

To be an effective advocate for change, it's essential to build strong relationships with others who share your goals. This could involve joining forces with existing organizations or forming new groups to address specific issues. By working together, you can amplify your voice and increase your chances of success.

Stay True to Your Values

Susan B. Anthony was guided by her deep-seated belief in equality and justice. She never compromised her principles, even when it was difficult or unpopular to do so.

Ultimately, the most important thing you can do to emulate Susan B. Anthony is to stay true to your values. Let your principles guide your actions and decisions, and never compromise your integrity for the sake of expediency. By living your values, you can inspire others to do the same and create a more just and equitable world.

FAQ

Q: Why did Susan B. Anthony get arrested? A: Susan B. Anthony was arrested for illegally voting in the 1872 presidential election in Rochester, New York. She violated a law that prohibited women from voting.

Q: When did Susan B. Anthony get arrested? A: Susan B. Anthony was arrested on November 18, 1872, about two weeks after she cast her vote.

Q: What was the outcome of Susan B. Anthony's trial? A: Susan B. Anthony was found guilty and fined $100, which she refused to pay as a matter of principle.

Q: What was the legal basis for Susan B. Anthony's argument that she had the right to vote? A: Susan B. Anthony argued that the Fourteenth Amendment, which granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, implicitly gave women the right to vote as citizens.

Q: What impact did Susan B. Anthony's arrest have on the women's suffrage movement? A: Susan B. Anthony's arrest brought national attention to the issue of women's suffrage and galvanized the movement, inspiring more women to fight for their right to vote.

Conclusion

The arrest of Susan B. Anthony in 1872 was a watershed moment in the fight for women's suffrage. Her act of civil disobedience, trial, and unwavering commitment to her principles brought national attention to the injustice of denying women the right to vote. Though she was found guilty, her actions and words ignited a firestorm of activism that ultimately led to the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote.

Susan B. Anthony's legacy continues to inspire activists and advocates today. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity. Her courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to equality make her a true American hero.

If you've found this article informative and inspiring, we encourage you to share it with your friends and family. Let's continue to honor Susan B. Anthony's legacy by working towards a more just and equitable world for all. Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below, and let's keep the conversation going.