Although
she never lived to see the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right
to vote, Susan B. Anthony's tireless activism was largely responsible for this
achievement. Susan B. Anthony's parents were Quakers and early in her life she
developed a strong passion for justice and morality. She worked for the abolition
of slavery, and for more than 50 years was actively involved in the women's rights
movement. She campaigned for women's labor organizations and for women's right
to vote and to keep their own property and earnings. Susan B. Anthony worked very
closely with her lifelong friend, Elizabeth Cady Stanton in her campaigning. Because
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was married with children, Susan B. Anthony did most of
the traveling and was more visible as a spokesperson for the women's movement.
The life of an activist and national organizer in the late 19th century was not
easy. During her most active period, Susan B. Anthony traveled to a hundred speaking
engagements a year. In 1979 Susan B. Anthony became the first woman to have her
picture on US currency when her image was chosen for a one dollar coin.
