What was the main goal of the feminist movement in the 19th century?

The main goal of the feminist movement in the 19th century was centered around women's suffrage and equal rights. During this period, many activists recognized that securing the right to vote was crucial for women to achieve legal equality and influence in society. The movement sought to address systemic inequalities faced by women in various facets of life, including legal status, employment opportunities, and social freedoms, with suffrage as a pivotal focus demonstrating their demand for representation in governance.

While improved working conditions and access to higher education were important issues that the feminist movement touched upon, they were often viewed as parts of the broader struggle for equality and rights, rather than the primary goal. Similarly, reproductive rights became a more pronounced issue in later centuries, reflecting shifting societal values and advancements in medical understanding. The 19th-century feminist movement's overarching aim was to establish foundational rights for women, strongly emphasizing their active participation in democratic processes through suffrage.