Background

Following the ratification of the 19th amendment, women were not immediately accepted or involved within politics. In 1920 Wisconsinite Carrie Chapman Catt founded the League of Women Voters in order to "finish the fight". Theodora Youmans was a leader of the Wisconsin chapter. The mission of the group was to educate women on politics and government, and to train them in becoming an active part of public life. Early successes of the League include helping thousands of women become involved with politics, and passage of the Sheppard Towner Act- which provided financial aid for maternal and child care programs. These accomplishments improved the lives of women in America by ensuring and protecting their rights as citizens.