What was the main goal of the women's suffrage movement during the 19th century?

The women's suffrage movement in the 19th century primarily aimed to secure voting rights for women. Advocates sought to challenge the legal and societal norms that restricted women's participation in the electoral process, believing that voting was a critical avenue for achieving gender equality and ensuring that women's interests and rights were represented in government. This movement emerged alongside other reform movements of the time, such as abolitionism and temperance, but its distinct focus was on enfranchisement. The efforts included organized campaigns, public speaking, and demonstrations, making it a pivotal part of the broader fight for women's rights. Achieving the right to vote was viewed as essential not only for women's empowerment but also as a necessary step toward other social reforms.

While educational equality, abolitionism, and temperance were significant issues in the 19th century, they were separate movements with different primary goals, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the social reforms sought during this time.