Decades before nonviolent protests influenced civil rights in the U.S., Missouri women used peaceful demonstrations to fight for suffrage.
Callaway County author Margot McMillen discussed her book, "The Golden Lane: How Missouri Women Gained the Vote and Changed History," during a virtual presentation hosted Friday by the Daniel Boone Regional Library.
On June 14, 1916, Missouri suffragists gathered in St. Louis to silently line Locust Street. They wore white dresses with golden sashes and held yellow parasols as delegates passed to attend the Democratic National Convention.
"This is such a significant event, and of course, it was all but forgotten," McMillen said.
Participating in the movement came with real risks - social alienation at a time when there were few ways for women to support themselves.
"She could be diagnosed with uteromania, which is a madness psychiatrists said caused women to think they had a grand mission in life," McMillen said. "If diagnosed, a woman might spend her life in a mental institution or be operated on."
She learned of uteromania while researching the Fulton State Hospital.
"Indeed, there were women at the Fulton State Hospital who were diagnosed with uteromania and operated on," McMillen said.
She discussed how women's contributions to society during the Civil War inspired many to believe they deserved the right to vote. The invention of the bicycle gave women freedom and mobility.
McMillen also discussed women's clubs and suffragist music.
"You may have heard of the 'new woman' who was more or less born in the 1900s," she said. "Suddenly, women were becoming much more aware that they could work together and they could have an effect."
In Missouri, suffragists organized parades and marches. During the Golden Lane protest, 2,000 women of varying socioeconomic status participated. Merchandisers even began selling the white dresses and gold parasols the women planned to wear.
"I think that is a tipping point," McMillen said. " I think that does indicate that they're (businesses) willing to take a step in the direction; that it's not as scary as it was."
McMillen said St. Louis is the home of many women's magazines.
She pointed to the women's suffrage movement as the first step in increased participation in society, leading to the modern day where women can serve in all levels of government.
Women's turnout has exceeded men's in every midterm election since 1986 and every presidential election since 1980.
"The question is, have women changed the world?" McMillen questioned. "And you know, the answer is probably yes."
McMillen's book is available to be checked out at the Callaway County Library. A video of the event will be posted online on the Daniel Boone Regional Library YouTube page.