What was a primary focus of the women's movement in the mid-19th century?

The mid-19th century women's movement primarily focused on the right to vote, a critical issue that galvanized many women who sought greater political equality and engagement in societal decision-making. This period saw the emergence of organized efforts for women's suffrage as activists realized that without the right to vote, women could not influence laws and policies that affected their lives.

Key figures, such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, helped lead campaigns and conventions, like the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, where they articulated the need for suffrage, alongside other rights, in the Declaration of Sentiments. Their efforts were crucial in bringing national attention to the issue of women's rights and establishing suffrage as a fundamental goal of the movement.

While access to higher education, employment rights, and civil rights for minority groups were also important issues, they were not the primary focus of the women's movement during this specific period. The suffrage movement became a defining element in the fight for women's equality, attracting broad support and setting the stage for future advancements in women's rights.