The Rollin Sisters | Sisterhood: SC Suffragists - Episode 3

During this period, there were many people, including African Americans, who felt the issue of women’s suffrage was much less important than civil rights for Blacks.

 In the 1868 Constitutional Convention, future representative William J. Whipper was the only one at the convention who called for universal suffrage. The debate between African American civil rights, and women’s suffrage was a heated one. Whipper desired to have the word “male” removed, and did not expect to receive much support for this motion. Frances Rollin returns to South Carolina, with Whipper’s promise of employment. Later, Frances Rollin marries William Whipper, and becomes her husband’s most trusted political advisor.

In the spring of 1869, on behalf of the Judiciary Committee, Charlotte Rollin made a speech on the floor of the S.C. State Legislature. Her speech, in support of women’s suffrage, was the first time a women ever addressed the legislature. The committee made a motion to enfranchise women, but was denied. Charlotte later follows up with a rally on the SC State House grounds, and hosts a women’s rights convention. The Rollin family continued to grow in influence, wealth, and social status, and hosted many gatherings in their Columbia estate. Their home and salon became unofficially known as the Republican Headquarters. The Rollin Salon defied many social norms, as being a place where men and women, Black or White, could gather to discuss social and political issues.

Standards

• 8-5 The student will understand the impact of Reconstruction, industrialization, and Progressivism on society and politics in South Carolina in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
  • During the periods of Reconstruction, industrial expansion, and the Progressive movement, South Carolina searched for ways to revitalize its economy while maintaining its traditional society. To understand South Carolina’s experience as represen...
    • 8-5.8 Compare the Progressive movement in South Carolina with the national Progressive movement, including the impact on temperance; women’s suffrage; labor laws; and educational, agricultural, health, and governmental reform.
• USHC-4 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the industrial development and the consequences of that development on society and politics during the second half of the nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries.
  • Political democracy depends upon the active participation of individuals working through political and economic-interest groups to protect their welfare. To understand how groups in the past have protected their rights, the student will utilize the kn...
    • USHC-4.6 Compare the accomplishments and limitations of the women’s suffrage movement and the Progressive Movement in affecting social and political reforms in America, including the roles of the media and of reformers such as Carrie Chapman Catt...
• USHC.3.CE Assess the causes and effects of significant turning points in the Populist and Progressive era from 1877–1924.
• This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the causes of American expansion, such as a growing and diversifying population and the expansion of the plantation economy. This indicator promotes inquiry into the relationship between sectionalism and political compromise, culminating in the Civil War.
  • This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into how technology fostered the growth of the cotton industry, the factory system, and urban centers. In addition, this indicator facilitates inquiry into how the Abolitionist Movement and Women&rsquo
• 8.3.CC Analyze debates and efforts to recognize the natural rights of marginalized groups during the period of expansion and sectionalism.
• 4.5.E Analyze multiple perspectives of the economic, political, and social effects of Reconstruction on different populations in the South and in other regions of the U.S.
• This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into founding principles as viewed through this period of federal government involvement, the development and realignment of a new labor system not based on a system of slavery, and the significant political realignment of the South.
  • This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into how Reconstruction resulted in the foundation for the struggle for civil rights. This indicator was also developed to foster inquiry into Reconstruction Era policies such as Constitutional amendme
• 4.4.CC Identify and evaluate the economic, political, and social changes experienced throughout the Civil War.
• 4.4.P Explain how emancipation was achieved as a result of civic participation.