Talk with Susan B. Anthony

Susan B. Anthony was a social reformer and women's rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement in the United States. Born on February 15, 1820, in Adams, Massachusetts, she dedicated her life to racial, gender, and educational equality. Anthony was instrumental in the creation of the American Equal Rights Association in 1866, and she became the president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. She was also one of the first women to be depicted on U.S. currency, with her portrait appearing on the dollar coin. Anthony died in 1906, 14 years before the U.S. Constitution was amended to grant women the right to vote.

The Revolution was a women’s rights periodical that was co-founded by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1868. The publication served as a platform for these pioneering suffragettes to voice their views on various subjects, becoming the mouthpiece for the American women's suffrage movement during its time.

The Revolution primarily advocated for women's suffrage, but it also tackled other controversial subjects like education reform, marriage and divorce law reform, and equal pay for women. Its motto, “Men their rights, and nothing more; women, their rights, and nothing less,” epitomized its mission of making a powerful stand for full political, economic, and social equality of women.

Despite its importance in the women's rights movement, The Revolution faced financial difficulties and ended publication in 1872. Yet, its impact lived on, serving as an inspiration for future generations.

Susan B. Anthony's work continues to have an immense impact on contemporary feminist movements in a few ways.

Firstly, her drive and activism for women's suffrage laid the framework for the understanding of equal rights not only in America, but around the world. Her belief that all people, regardless of gender, should have equal rights is a core principle of modern feminism.

Secondly, her strategic approach to change, which consisted of lobbying, delivering speeches, drafting and endorsing amendments, is still used today. Many feminist movements continue to use similar tactics for political engagement and policy change.

Thirdly, Anthony's willingness to cooperate with different movements and causes (like the abolitionist movement) demonstrates the importance of intersectionality in feminism. Today's feminist movements often look to incorporate multiple aspects of identity, including race, class, and sexual orientation, mirroring Anthony's inclusive approach.

Lastly, Susan B. Anthony serves as a historical role model, constantly reminding us of the power of persistence in the face of resistance. This serves as motivation for contemporary feminists to continue their push for equality.

Therefore, while contemporary feminism bears its unique variety of struggles and contexts, the influence and legacy of Susan B. Anthony within the movements are undeniable.

Susan B. Anthony was inspired to advocate for women's rights by various experiences and influences throughout her life. Born into a Quaker family with a strong commitment to social equality, she was encouraged to believe in the equal treatment of everyone, irrespective of their gender.

In her early career as a teacher, she saw the wage disparity between men and women first hand and was upset over the inequality. Anthony was not allowed to speak at temperance debates, which piqued her interest in women's rights.

She was deeply influenced by the anti-slavery movement and her involvement with the abolitionist cause, and through these engagements, she saw the similarities between the rights of enslaved people and the rights of women.

Her friendship with Elizabeth Cady Stanton was another significant factor. Stanton was already heavily involved in the fight for women's rights and helped Anthony see the connection to women's suffrage in a more comprehensive way. Their partnership was instrumental in forming the core philosophy behind Anthony's advocacy for women's rights.

All these experiences culminated, thus inspiring her to passionately work for equal rights and opportunities for women, which most notably included the fight for women's suffrage.

Several key figures or events influenced Susan B. Anthony's beliefs and ideologies.

1. Her family: Anthony's parents, Daniel and Lucy Anthony, were committed Quakers and advocates for social change, and they profoundly affected her perspectives, instilling in her the belief in equality and justice.

2. The Quaker community: The Quakers' belief in equality and justice, helped form Anthony's commitment to women's rights and abolitionism.

3. Frederick Douglass: Anthony's friendship with the African-American abolitionist Frederick Douglass greatly influenced her understanding of the civil rights struggle, and she came to see the fight for women's rights and abolition as intertwined struggles.

4. Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Stanton was a close friend and mentor to Anthony. The two women worked together on women's rights issues and even co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association. Stanton's more radical beliefs on women's suffrage pushed Anthony to consider more uncompromising stances.

5. William Lloyd Garrison: Garrison was a famous abolitionist and women's rights advocate who influenced Anthony. Garrison’s belief in immediate, not gradual, change had a big effect on Anthony's views on women's suffrage.

6. The Temperance Movement: Before she became involved in women's rights, Anthony was active in the temperance movement, which campaigned against alcohol due to its destructive effect on families and marriages. This movement introduced her to the world of reform and public speaking.

Remember that these are a few of the prominent influences; Anthony's beliefs were shaped by many others and her own experiences as well.

The reaction from society towards Susan B. Anthony's work was a mix of support and hostility.

For one side, many admired and rallied behind Anthony's tireless efforts. She was particularly admired within the women's suffrage movement where her dedication, particularly to women's voting rights, galvanized the cause and drew many followers. She was instrumental in creating the National Woman Suffrage Association along with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, which united voices across America in the fight for women's rights.

On the other hand, her work was not met without resistance. During her life, women's suffrage was a contentious issue and opposition visited Susan B. Anthony in many forms. When she defiantly voted in the 1872 elections to make a statement about women's voting rights, she was arrested and fined. She refused to pay the fine, symbolically emphasizing that her vote and the votes of women nationwide could not be brushed aside.

Moreover, her speeches, her lobbying, her organizing—her entire campaign for women's rights—was often met with social, legal, and political backlash. Traditionalists who believed women should not participate in politics often ridiculed her work. Her advocacy for women's rights, especially the right to vote, was seen as radical during her time.

After her death, however, her efforts were finally recognized and appreciated when the 19th Amendment (also known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment) was ratified in 1920, granting women in the United States the right to vote. Today, she is celebrated as a pivotal figure in the fight for gender equality.

The value of a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin can vary widely, based on its condition, mint mark, and whether it has any unique characteristics.

Most circulated Susan B. Anthony coins are worth their face value ($1). Some uncirculated coins and coins from proof sets may be worth slightly more, ranging from a few dollars to perhaps $10-$20.

The most valuable Susan B. Anthony dollars are the 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) coins, with high-grade examples costing over $100. Also, certain proof versions and error coins may hold significant value among collectors.

However, these values can change based on market conditions and other factors, so you should consult a coin dealer, professional grading service, or pricing guide for the most accurate and current valuation.

Yes, the Susan B. Anthony dollar coins are still technically in circulation, meaning they are still legal tender and can be used for transactions. However, they are not commonly seen in everyday usage because their production stopped in the year 1981, and then resumed briefly in 1999. Because of their similar size to quarters and their relatively unpopular design, they are not frequently used. Many of them may be found in coin collections or coin rolls, and it's also possible to receive them from banks on request.

The value of a 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar depends on a variety of factors, including its condition, mint mark and whether it is circulated or uncirculated.

In general, most circulated 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollars are worth their face value, $1. Uncirculated coins could be worth more, particularly if they've been well-preserved.

There are also special cases that can improve the value. For example, there are some specialty 1979 coins that are "wide rim" or "near date". These coins have a wider rim close to the year, and they're less common than the regular 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollars. These can be worth more, especially to collectors.

Coins from the San Francisco mint, marked with an S, particularly proof coins, can also have more value, again especially if they're in top condition.

In all cases, the value can fluctuate based on the current market for coins, the demand among collectors, and other factors. If you have a coin you believe might be valuable, it's best to have it appraised by a professional coin dealer or collector who can give you a more precise estimate.

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