Meaning: Florence Kelley, an influential social and political activist, made this statement in the early 20th century as she advocated for women's suffrage and access to political power. The quote encapsulates the urgency and determination with which Kelley and other suffragists pursued their goal of achieving full political rights for women.

Kelley was a prominent figure in the Progressive Era, a period of social and political reform in the United States that spanned from the 1890s to the 1920s. During this time, women were actively seeking the right to vote and to participate fully in the political process. The quote reflects Kelley's unwavering commitment to this cause and her belief that the current state of affairs, in which women were denied political power and responsibility, was unsustainable.

Kelley's assertion that "this position is untenable" conveys her conviction that the status quo, in which women were excluded from political decision-making, was unjust and unsustainable. She recognized the inherent injustice in denying women the right to participate in shaping the laws and policies that governed their lives and believed that this situation could not continue.

Furthermore, Kelley's call for "no pause in the agitation for full political power and responsibility" underscores the relentless and determined nature of the suffragist movement. The use of the word "agitation" suggests a deliberate and persistent effort to challenge the existing power structures and demand change. Kelley and her fellow activists were resolute in their pursuit of political equality and were unwilling to accept anything less than full rights and responsibilities for women in the political sphere.

Kelley's emphasis on the need for political power and responsibility to be "granted to all the women of the nation" reflects the inclusivity of the suffragist movement. She recognized that the fight for women's suffrage and political rights was a universal struggle that transcended regional, racial, and socioeconomic boundaries. Kelley and other suffragists sought to secure these rights for all women, recognizing the importance of political representation for women from all walks of life.

The quote by Florence Kelley captures the spirit of determination and urgency that characterized the women's suffrage movement in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the unwavering commitment of suffragists like Kelley to secure full political rights and responsibilities for women. Their tireless efforts ultimately culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. However, the broader struggle for full political equality and representation for women continued beyond suffrage, and Kelley's words remain relevant in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality in the political arena.

In conclusion, Florence Kelley's quote encapsulates the fervent determination and unwavering commitment of the suffragist movement to secure full political rights and responsibilities for women. Her words reflect the urgency and persistence with which suffragists pursued their goal of political equality, and they serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of the women's suffrage movement in the United States.