What was the main focus of the women's rights movement in the 19th century?

The primary focus of the women's rights movement in the 19th century was voting rights. This period saw significant advocacy for women's suffrage, driven by the belief that women should have the same political rights as men, including the right to vote. Activists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton played pivotal roles in this movement, arguing that suffrage was essential for women to have a voice in the laws that governed them.

While access to education and workplace equality were undeniably important issues that emerged alongside the push for voting rights, the suffrage movement was particularly prominent and organized during this time. Many advocates believed that achieving the right to vote was a foundational step toward addressing other inequalities, including those related to education and employment. The abolition of slavery also intersected with the women's rights movement, especially as many women's rights activists supported the abolitionist cause; however, the direct focus of the women's rights movement itself in the 19th century primarily revolved around gaining enfranchisement for women.