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On August 26, 1920, women in the United States were granted the right to vote, a pivotal moment in the global struggle for women’s suffrage. This achievement followed decades of activism, starting with the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, organised by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. The Declaration of Sentiments was signed at Seneca Falls, proclaiming that “all men and women are created equal.” The landmark convention inspired similar gatherings, including the first National Women’s Rights Convention in Massachusetts in 1850. 

Globally, the movement made significant strides between 1869 and 1902, with women gaining the right to vote in New Zealand and Australia, with the exception of Aboriginals and Pacific Islanders. New Zealand is usually recognised as the first country to give women the right to vote, with women receiving the right to vote in the 1893 elections. The country which gave women the vote first is somewhat debated given different levels of the franchise were awarded to women in different states throughout the 1800s.

From 1910 to 1931, many countries, including Norway, Denmark, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, the UK, and the USA, followed suit. The suffragette movement in the UK was also a key part in giving the right to vote for non-land-owning men as well. In 1928, the franchise was extended to all women and men over the age of 21 regardless of property own.