Roses and Resistance

They were mocked, ridiculed, jailed, and even tortured. Yet they refused to give up. For more than seventy years, women across America waged one of the most determined battles in history—the fight for the right to vote. This book takes readers inside that struggle, showing how ordinary women and their allies used extraordinary courage to challenge a system that silenced them. From the fiery speeches of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the tireless campaigns of Susan B. Anthony, to the bold protests led by Alice Paul and the unforgettable parades of Inez Milholland, the story unfolds through the actions of people who refused to accept second-class citizenship. It wasn’t just about casting a ballot. It was about being recognized as full citizens, capable of shaping the laws that governed their lives. Along the way, readers will see the triumphs, the setbacks, and the divisions within the movement itself—racism, exclusion, and bitter disagreements over strategy. Yet through it all, the persistence of these women reshaped the nation. Their fight did not end with the 19th Amendment. It became the foundation for future generations to push for equality, civil rights, and justice. This is the story of how courage, persistence, and vision can transform a nation—and why the struggle for democracy is never finished.