Thank you, Tennessee! (19th Amendment)
[center]On this date in 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote.
In the latter half of the 19th century, states began gradually loosening restrictions on voting rights for women.
Most Southern states opposed the amendment, and on August 18, 1920, it all came down to Tennessee.
The pro-amendment faction wore yellow roses in their lapels, and the "anti" faction wore red American Beauty roses.
It was a close battle and the state legislature was tied 48 to 48.
The decision came down to one vote: that of 24-year-old Harry Burn, the youngest state legislator.
Proudly sporting a red rose, he cast his vote in favor of ratification.
He had been expected to vote against it, but he had in his pocket a note from his mother, which instructed him to vote otherwise.
[/center]