This article discusses the history of
Western women's suffrage during the
transition to modernity. Section 1 is an
introduction. Section 2 lays out the
theoretical and legal framework for
women's social, political, and economic
rights in Europe. Section 3 describes
relevant actors in women's suffrage,
including political parties and the
Catholic Church. Section 4 examines the
contributions and challenges historically
faced by female activists. Section 5
discusses the "separate spheres ideology"
and its impact on female suffrage in
Europe. Section 6 examines the earlier or