Analyze the various roles women played during the Progressive era, from social reformer to feminist to suffragist. How did various women define freedom? Be sure to distinguish between different types of women and include the Voices of Freedom excerpt in your answer.

During the Progressive era, women played various roles that were instrumental in shaping the social and political landscape of the time. These roles included social reformer, feminist, and suffragist, each with their own unique contributions to the fight for women's rights and freedom.

Social reformers, such as Jane Addams, focused on addressing the social and economic inequalities faced by women and children. Addams, as a leader in the settlement house movement, worked to improve living and working conditions for women and advocated for policies that would benefit the most vulnerable members of society.

Feminists, like Charlotte Perkins Gilman, sought to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for women's economic independence and political equality. Gilman's writings, such as "The Yellow Wallpaper," critiqued the limitations placed on women and called for their liberation from oppressive societal norms.

Suffragists, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, were at the forefront of the fight for women's right to vote. They organized rallies, lobbied politicians, and tirelessly campaigned for suffrage, believing that political participation was essential for women to achieve full freedom and equality.

In the Voices of Freedom excerpt, Anna Howard Shaw, a prominent suffragist, defines freedom as the ability to participate in the democratic process and have a voice in shaping the laws and policies that govern society. She emphasizes the importance of women's suffrage as a means to secure their rights and ensure their full citizenship.

Overall, the various roles women played during the Progressive era reflected their multifaceted efforts to challenge societal norms, advocate for women's rights, and redefine freedom in terms of political, social, and economic empowerment. These women's diverse contributions were essential in laying the groundwork for the advancements in women's rights that followed.