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This Day in American History

August 17

1 historic event on this date

Amendment1920

Tennessee Ratifies 19th Amendment

Tennessee became the 36th and final state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment after 24-year-old legislator Harry T. Burn changed his vote at his mother's urging. Her letter read, "Don't forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Catt put the 'rat' in ratification."

Why It Matters

The dramatic Tennessee vote showed how a single legislator's conscience completed the decades-long fight for women's suffrage, illustrating that every vote in a democracy matters.

Explore the Principles Behind the History

Every event in American history connects to the founding principles. Discover the ideas that shaped these moments.

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