The Spirit of the 1920s Suffragettes: Real-Life History Meets When Calls the Heart

BY: Sharon Fitness for GOOD.

In the early 20th century, the streets of American cities echoed with the voices of women demanding the right to vote. The suffragette movement was fierce, determined, and deeply rooted in the belief that women deserved a place not just in the home, but in the public and political spheres as well. By the 1920s, their fight was reaching its climax a and their legacy continues to inspire today, including in beloved period dramas like When Calls the Heart.

One such character, Fiona Miller, embodies the modern woman of her time: bold, independent, and not afraid to shake things up in Hope Valley. While When Calls the Heart may be fictional, Fiona’s journey echoes the very real struggles and triumphs of the women who came before and stood tall for change.

🌟 The Real-Life Movement: Women’s Fight for the Vote

By the time the 1920s rolled around, American suffragettes had been campaigning for over 70 years. From Susan B. Anthony to Alice Paul, women (and many supportive men) rallied, marched, protested, and organised for the cause.

The big turning point?
The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, which granted American women the right to vote. It was a hard-won victory, but also just the beginning. The 1920s became a decade of transformation, not just in voting rights, but in fashion, work, politics, and social expectations.

Women began to cut their hair short, enter the workforce in new ways, and reimagine their role in society. The term “New Woman” became a buzzword describing women who were educated, independent, and progressive.

🎬 Enter Fiona: Hope Valley’s Own Suffragette Spirit

Fiona Miller may be a fictional character, but her storylines in When Calls the Heart reflect many of the real changes happening in 1920s North America. From running the town’s telephone switchboard to opening her own business, Fiona continually pushes boundaries and challenges traditional gender roles in Hope Valley.

She’s also a vocal advocate for women’s independence, whether it’s through encouraging other women to pursue work, question societal norms, or express their opinions openly. While she may not carry a protest sign or wear a sash, Fiona’s quiet determination and progressive outlook honour the spirit of the suffragette movement.

Her character reminds us that change doesn’t always come from grand gestures – sometimes it’s the steady voice, the everyday choices, and the courageous heart that make the most lasting impact.

💬 Why It Still Matters

The suffragette movement wasn’t just about casting a vote, it was about recognising women as full, equal participants in society. That fight continues today in different forms, from equal pay and representation to bodily autonomy and access to leadership roles.

Shows like When Calls the Heart – especially through characters like Fiona – help keep that history alive. They allow us to explore the personal side of social change and celebrate the women, both real and fictional, who made it possible for future generations to thrive.

💜 Want to Dive Deeper?

Next time you watch When Calls the Heart, take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come since the 1920s, and how stories like Fiona’s continue to inspire us to stand strong, speak up, and never stop striving for equality.

Watch When Calls the Heart season 10 on Wednesday nights at 7:30pm AEST on GOOD. or stream from the free GOOD app.

When Calls the Heart season 12 airs Friday nights at 7:30pm AEST.

About the Author: Sharon Fitness is a staff writer for GOOD. She’s a movie buff, TV fan, foodie and dog lover.

Images: When Calls the Heart promotional content from GOOD.