The History of the Women’s Rights Movement, 1600 to Present
This timeline traces key moments, movements and leaders that have shaped the fight for women’s rights in the United States and beyond. Compiled by editors at Ms. and researchers from the National Women’s History Alliance, it highlights the interconnected histories of feminism, abolition, labor organizing, civil rights, reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ liberation and democratic participation.
The timeline is part of Ms. magazine’s FEMINIST 250: Founding Feminists project, a multimedia essay series marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by examining the women and feminist movements that have expanded the meaning of freedom, equality and democracy in the United States. Through reported features, essays, interviews and historical analysis, FEMINIST 250 explores how generations of activists have challenged exclusion and worked to make the nation’s founding promises more fully realized.
FEMINIST 250's Parts 2 and 3—Feminist Lessons and Feminist Futures—drop this month on MsMagazine.com.
The post The History of the Women’s Rights Movement, 1600 to Present appeared first on Ms. Magazine.
6/3/2026 4:00:00 AM