A very serious question for the men here at DU:

[muriel_volestrangler]

39. The United States, like all other countries in the 19th century, was patriarchal

with assumptions that women were 'weak' and 'easily led', and thus wouldn't be suitable for making serious decisions. This meant they didn't get a proper education either (because it 'would be a waste'), and men used their lack of education as proof that they were unable to do important things like voting. And patriarchal societies trace back to power gained through warfare - which (especially before the invention of reliable firearms) really was something that men, with more physical strength, on average, were more successful at than women.

Gradually, the circular argument about education and decision-making ability was shown to be a crock of shit, and countries started educating women, and eventually contemplated expanding the vote. World War One gave an extra push in some, as women went to work in jobs to replace the drafted men, and proved there was nothing special about a Y chromosome.

Swiss women didn't get the vote until 1971. it may or may not be notable that it was one of the few countries not to fight in either world war, and so men got to hold onto their jobs without women being given a chance to prove themselves.