06/04/2026
Did you know? On this day in 1919, Congress approved the woman’s suffrage amendment and sent it to the states for ratification. Adding the amendment to the Constitution required ratification by three-fourths of the states, which at that time was 36 of 48.
The women in the suffrage movement employed many tactics to organize and advocate for the right to vote. The first official convening of the women’s suffrage movement was at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. After there were several subsequent conventions and a signature collection including 600,000 signatures at NY State Constitutional Convention in 1894. Multiple publications were devoted to amplifying the voice of women and thousands of women picketed with homemade signs. While Black women played an important role in the passage of the 19th Amendment, voter suppression tactics across the country led to their inability to vote.
Did you know that the Junior League was also an instrumental contributor to the Women’s Suffrage Movement? Founded in 1914, Junior League of St. Louis organized with a mission combining advocacy with service, and in particular focused on women’s suffrage as a method to intelligently impact change improving the lives of women and children. When the City of St. Louis hosted the Democratic National Convention in 1916, the JLSL and the Equal Suffrage League organized a “walkless, talkless parade”. It was a sight to see 7,000 women dressed in white wearing yellow sashes and carrying yellow parasols lining the route delegates had to pass to reach the convention hall. As a result, the Democrats voted to include a plank for women’s suffrage, the first time a national party had declared support for suffrage. Both political parties formally endorsed women’s suffrage before the end of 1916.
Learn more about the Junior League's influential role throughout our nation's history (and beyond!) at https://thejuniorleagueinternational.org/our-history/
On this day in 1919, Congress approved the woman’s suffrage amendment and sent it to the states for ratification. Adding the amendment to the Constitution required ratification by three-fourths of the states, which at that time was 36 of 48.
The National Woman’s Party led by Alice Paul began sewing stars on a giant purple, white, and gold flag. Each time a state ratified the 19th Amendment, a new star would be sewn on the flag.
The 19th Amendment became law more than a year after Congress approved the amendment. The 36th state, Tennessee, voted to ratify on August 18, 1920. This image shows Alice Paul unfurling that flag from the suffrage headquarters on that day.
The Library of Congress is home to the NWP records and library collection.
Image: Photo shows a group of women waving their arms in celebration while the ratification banner with its 36 victory stars hangs from the balcony of the National Woman's Party headquarters. 1920. Photo by Harris & Ewing. National Women's Party Records, Library of Congress.
