American Equal Rights Association

The American Equal Rights Association (AERA), founded in 1866, was a coalition dedicated to securing equal rights for all citizens, particularly focusing on women's suffrage and African American rights following the Civil War. It aimed to unite both movements to achieve voting rights for Black men and women. However, disagreements arose over prioritizing these goals, leading to a split in 1869. The AERA played a crucial role in advocating for equality and highlighting the interconnected struggles of race and gender during Reconstruction, laying groundwork for future civil rights and women's suffrage progress.