Discussion 9

Which of the female reformers or reform movements from around 1890-1920 do you admire most? Why? Do you agree with Sarah? Why or Why not?

Brief video about an important suffrage march

A brief biography of one of the most prominent women’s rights leaders

A brief profile of an influential figure in Civil Rights in the first half of the 20th century

Sarah: I admire Alice Paul and the Equal Suffrage movement. After Woodrow Wilson vaguely pledged his allegiance to support women’s suffrage, Paul and the National Woman’s Party formed a picket line in front of the White House. They had themed days and stayed out in horrible conditions sharing their stories, just to gain press attention and hold the President to his promise. This was in 1917. Unfortunately, these women were arrested because they were unable to pay the fine. As soon as they were released, they returned to the lines. By early 1918, after Wilson received letters and saw the protests, he “publicly endorsed a constitutional amendment” (Kerber 350). A day later the House of Representatives passed the suffrage amendment barely achieving the two-thirds majority; however, it failed to be carried by the Senate by two votes. It was needed for a re-election for the amendment to pass. “In the fall 1918 elections, NAWSA targeted four senators for defeat; two of them failed to be reelected”, this led to 35 states ratifying the amendment by August 1920 (Kerber 351). Finally women won the battle, but African Americans still had an ongoing fight.

I admire this movement because without these fearless women, I believe society would be very different. It would not be as progressive and women may not be granted the rights that they are today. These women were arrested, yet it did not deter them from fighting harder. The courage and perseverance of these women are commendable and as the current events are happening within society, I wish to have an ounce of their courage.