Strange Allies in Women's History: Suffrage, Prohibition & Bicycles?

This podcast episode explores the weird connections between the women's suffrage movement and bicycles, as well as the temperance movement and prohibition.

The popularity of bicycles in the late Victorian era opened up new opportunities for women and became a symbol of gender equality. The temperance movement, advocating for reduced or no alcohol consumption, was closely linked to the women's suffrage movement. Both movements culminated in 1920 with the 18th Amendment prohibiting alcohol and the 19th Amendment enfranchising women. These connections highlight the ways in which social and cultural changes intersected with women's rights in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Takeaways

• The popularity of bicycles in the late Victorian era had a significant impact on the women's liberation movement, providing women with newfound freedom and independence.

• The temperance movement and the women's suffrage movement were closely connected, with many suffragists also advocating for reduced or no alcohol consumption.

• Both the temperance movement and the women's suffrage movement culminated in 1920, with the 18th Amendment prohibiting alcohol and the 19th Amendment enfranchising women.

• These connections highlight the ways in which social and cultural changes intersected with women's rights in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Why Did Victorian Men Hate Women on Bicycles?

• Women’s Suffrage and Prohibition: Strange Allies

• The Doctrine of Separate Spheres: Why a Woman’s Place Was In the Home

• Amelia Bloomer: Temperance, Suffrage, and Rational Dress Advocate