Throughout American history, every major social and political gain has been the result of progressive activism—driven by those who fought for justice, equality, and human rights. At the same time, conservatives have consistently opposed these advancements, resisting change, protecting entrenched power, and, in many cases, trying to roll back progress.

Today, as we see renewed conservative attacks on basic freedoms—from abortion rights to voting access—it’s crucial to remember that none of our rights were ever given freely. They were fought for, often at great personal risk. And unless we continue that fight, they can be taken away.

A History of Progress vs. Conservative Opposition

1. Abolition of Slavery (1860s)

✅ Won by: Abolitionists and the early Republican Party (before party realignment) led the charge to end slavery, culminating in the 13th Amendment in 1865. ❌ Opposed by: Southern conservatives who defended slavery as an economic necessity and a “way of life.” Today, conservatives resist efforts to address racial inequality and voter suppression laws that disproportionately harm Black communities.

2. Women’s Suffrage (1848–1920)

✅ Won by: Feminists and progressives fought for decades to secure women the right to vote, finally achieving victory with the 19th Amendment in 1920. ❌ Opposed by: Conservatives who believed women should remain in the domestic sphere. Today, those same forces push abortion bans and attack gender equality in the workplace.

3. The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s)

✅ Won by: Activists like Martin Luther King Jr., grassroots organizers, and progressive legislators pushed for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. ❌ Opposed by: Segregationists and conservatives who used Jim Crow laws and voter suppression tactics—tactics still seen today through gerrymandering and voter ID laws designed to disenfranchise Black and brown communities.

4. Labor Rights (Late 19th–Early 20th Century)

✅ Won by: Unions, socialists, and progressives fought for fair wages, the 8-hour workday, and an end to child labor, leading to the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938. ❌ Opposed by: Conservatives and corporate interests who fought unionization and still work to weaken workers’ rights today, pushing “right to work” laws that benefit businesses over employees.

5. LGBTQ+ Rights (1969–Present)

✅ Won by: The LGBTQ+ movement gained momentum with the Stonewall Riots in 1969, leading to victories such as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and nationwide marriage equality in 2015. ❌ Opposed by: Conservatives who enacted bans on same-sex marriage and today push anti-trans legislation, censorship of LGBTQ+ history, and laws like “Don’t Say Gay” in schools.

6. Abortion Rights (1970s–Present)

✅ Won by: Feminists and progressives secured reproductive rights with Roe v. Wade in 1973. ❌ Opposed by: Conservatives successfully overturned Roe in 2022, triggering abortion bans in multiple states and threatening national bans if given the chance.

7. Environmental Protection (1960s–1970s)

✅ Won by: The environmental movement led to the founding of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. ❌ Opposed by: Conservatives who deny climate change, gut environmental protections, and side with fossil fuel interests over sustainability efforts.

8. Public Education (19th Century–Present)

✅ Won by: Progressives ensured universal public education laws in the mid-1800s. ❌ Opposed by: Conservatives pushing school privatization, defunding public schools, banning books, and rewriting history to erase racism and oppression.

9. Healthcare Access (1960s–Present)

✅ Won by: Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded healthcare access in 2010. ❌ Opposed by: Republicans who continue to try to repeal the ACA and block expansions to Medicare and Medicaid.

10. Gun Control (20th Century–Present)

✅ Won by: Public safety advocates secured measures like the Brady Bill (1993), requiring background checks for gun purchases. ❌ Opposed by: Conservatives and the NRA, who fight against every form of gun control, despite the rise of mass shootings in America.

Why Conservatives Keep Fighting Against Progress

If history has proven anything, it’s that conservatives don’t simply oppose change—they actively try to reverse progress once it has been made. The recent repeal of Roe v. Wade, conservative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, and voter suppression efforts are clear signs that the fight is far from over.

Conservatives justify their actions through appeals to tradition, religious dogma, and corporate interests, using fear-mongering and misinformation to convince the public that progress is dangerous. But time and again, history has proven them wrong.

The Fight Continues—And It’s Up to Us

None of these rights were given to us. They were won through protest, activism, and political engagement. And as long as conservatives keep trying to take them away, we must fight back. That means:

📢 Speaking out against injustice.
🗳 Voting in every election, especially at the state level where rights are under attack.
🤝 Supporting organizations that defend civil rights, labor rights, and social justice.
💡 Educating others on the history of progress—and the threats we still face.

History isn’t just something we read about—it’s something we shape every single day. And if we don’t fight for our rights, conservatives will keep working to take them away.

Which of these battles do you think is most at risk today? Let’s talk in the comments!

#ProgressNotRegression #HistoryMatters #RightsUnderAttack #VoteBlue