The Historian's World

[RJNorton]

Laurie, your post made me think of Mary Lincoln, her views on women's suffrage, and how thinking has changed since the mid-19th century.

What if there were a poll which asked Americans this question: "Did Mary Lincoln think women should have the right to vote?" My guess is Americans would overwhelmingly say "yes."

According to Jean Baker, this would be wrong. In her Mary Lincoln biography she wrote:

"Female abolitionists and suffragists gained no respect from her (Mary Lincoln); she believed them unwomanly creatures. She had no interest in obtaining the vote, intending instead to influence her husband."