To understand this critical and historical speech given by Susan B. Anthony, one may find the meaning to be explicitly clear after analyzing its context, the time and situation placed. The speech carried with it the great weight of the historical events that led Anthony to give this powerful speech on women's suffrage. During the 1800s era, women did not have the right to vote nor could participate in other civic activities such as testifying in a court of law, women were denied many rights that were given to men, by men. Anthony was a prominent leader in the women's rights movement because it was a time when women were standing up for their rights and other movements were emerging. She was brave enough to stand up for what she believed in, even if most people around her did not share the same values, or even despised her for expressing her belief. He expressed this courage during the abolition movement, when slavery was legal and accepted, but he knew it needed to be changed for the better. After her arrest in 1872 for illegal voting, Susan became more aggressive in her fight for women's suffrage. In her speech, “On Women's Right to Vote,” Susan appealed to the preamble of the United States Constitution which emphasized the power of the masses rather than segregation based on gender. According to the constitutional preamble, it is addressed to “we, the people” and not to “we, the male citizens”. In her arguments, Susan refers to countries that fail to protect women's rights and prevent women from voting as oligarchies. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay During the court trial, Susan could not testify on her behalf because culturally women were not allowed to give testimony because women's testimonies were not considered competent and valid. As a result, she had to hire a male lawyer to present her arguments. However, she was convicted of violating federal law for casting an illegal vote. The speech had a huge impact historically and on the people who heard or read it, and has since had a significant influence on the development and meaning of women's identity as women. equality and recognition of women's suffrage at a national level. Not only his speech, but his trial helped this movement spread nationwide as it showed the stark contrast between men and women and how unfairly they were treated and persecuted. This was a very big and absolutely necessary step towards changing women's suffrage simply within a localized group and people, towards something that is talked about and protested on a national level. Although Anthony was barred from filing a voting rights lawsuit before the Supreme Court regarding her court case, Anthony led the way toward the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution: women's right to vote. Under Anthony's leadership and guidance, the NWSA drafted the first version of the 19th Amendment in 1878 and attempted to push for the preposition to be made into an amendment. Although they made a great effort, Congress denied introducing a new amendment and sent them home, but they did not give up. Their efforts lit a fire in all their hearts, which would burn stronger until they got what they wanted and fought for all these years, not even death could stop this.