Feminism emerged in revolutionary and emancipation movements in Europe and the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries. First-wave feminists sought to secure women's place in the family and in public life, so that they could act in their own interests, influence opinion, and participate in democratic decision making. Recognition of their independent legal status, their rights to property, and to custody of children preceded the achievement of political rights. Though women were active in politics and social reform, suffrage was not easily won. It was achieved first in new immigrant societies. Women in New Zealand were accorded the right to vote in 1893. The colony of South Australia, established in 1836 and settled by a labor force of young adult poor from Britain and Lutherans from Germany, extended the right to vote and to stand for election to women in 1894.