ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Feminist movements in the United States

Feminism means believing that women and men should be treated equally, and so feminist movements are groups of people who work together to make that happen. In the United States, there have been many different feminist movements throughout history, all working towards different goals.

One of the earliest feminist movements in the United States was the suffrage movement, which started in the late 1800s. The suffragists were women who believed that they should have the right to vote, just like men did. They worked hard for many years, holding marches and protests and giving speeches, until finally in 1920 the 19th Amendment was added to the Constitution, giving women the right to vote.

After that, feminist movements continued to work towards other goals, like equal pay for women and men, the right to access birth control and abortion, and an end to violence against women. Women all over the United States formed organizations and worked together to make change happen, often relying on grassroots organizing and direct action.

There have been many different feminist movements throughout history, each with its own unique goals and tactics. Some of the most well-known include the Women's Liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which fought for reproductive freedom, equal pay, and an end to gender-based violence, and the Me Too movement of the 2010s, which highlighted the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault in workplaces and other institutions.

Feminist movements in the United States have always been diverse, with people from different backgrounds, races, and sexual orientations working together towards a common goal of gender equality. Despite facing many obstacles, they have achieved many important victories over the years and continue to work towards a better future for women and all marginalized people.