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Feminism

I need information. Please help me. I need to find out who the founder of the Feminist Movement or the women with the most influence in it. - Stephanie

Thanks for your note. The feminist movement in the U.S. grew out of the suffragist and abolitionalist movements. In terms of women's history the eariest wave of feminsm is referred to as the "First Wave." During this wave, suffragists and abolitionalists fought to secure basic rights for women--the right to vote, own and inherit property, be citizens, etc.. However, this wave of feminism had even earlier roots among Native Americans. I don't know about any leaders among the Native American Women, but among the first wave, there were many leaders and I don't think that any one person could be called "the leader/founder." Among those who were leading the way were: Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott, Carrie Chapman Catt, Sojourner Truth, the Grimke Sisters, Alice Paul and many many more. This wave then grew into the second wave of feminism, which fought for other basic rights for women and a legal ground to stand on. As for this wave, there were also many leaders: Rosa Parks, Betty Friedan, Angela Davis, Gloria Steinem, Shirley Chisolm, Bella Abzug...these, too are only a beginning.
Amy

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