Final answer:
The American Equal Rights Association was formed in 1866 to unify the abolitionist and women's suffrage movements, in order to advocate for 'equal rights for all' amidst the post-Civil War reconstruction period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Equal Rights Association (AERA) was formed in 1866 to unite two major movements advocating for equality: abolitionism and women's suffrage. After the Civil War, the United States was in a period of reconstruction, and leaders such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton saw this as an opportunity to push for fundamental changes in society including the enfranchisement of women and newly freed African Americans. The AERA came to life when the National Women's Rights Convention officially merged with the American Antislavery Society. This was a strategic alliance, signifying a unified front to advocate for 'equal rights for all', a phrase purposefully chosen by Stanton during the historic meeting in New York City. However, this coalition faced internal divisions and challenges when the focus on universal suffrage began to overshadow the push for women's rights, leading to controversial alliances and strategic compromises that tested the bounds of the association.