Early feminism refers to the movement that began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for women's rights and equality. It focused on issues such as suffrage, education, and employment opportunities. Key figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton played significant roles in promoting these ideas, particularly in the United States. The movement laid the groundwork for future feminist waves by challenging societal norms and legal restrictions that limited women's roles. Early feminists organized rallies, wrote pamphlets, and formed organizations to raise awareness and push for legislative changes, ultimately leading to milestones like the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote.