Victoria Woodhull: clairvoyant and first female presidential candidate
Victoria Woodhull, a clairvoyant and free love advocate, became the first woman to run for president in 1872, decades before women even gained the right to vote. Known for her unorthodox beliefs, Woodhull was not only a political trailblazer but also promoted women’s rights, spiritualism, and social reform. Her presidential campaign faced significant opposition, both because of her gender and her radical ideas, but her efforts sparked important conversations about gender equality and social progress.
Woodhull’s life was filled with unconventional achievements. Along with her sister, she opened the first female-run brokerage firm on Wall Street and published a weekly newspaper advocating for women’s rights and controversial social issues. Her candidacy, however, was marked by scandal, as she publicly challenged prominent figures like Henry Ward Beecher over issues of morality and hypocrisy. Despite facing societal backlash, her role in history paved the way for future generations of women in politics.
Source: Mental Floss
