Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson, and the Fight for the Right to Vote

Have you ever wondered how women gained the right to vote in the United States? It was certainly not an easy journey, and two prominent figures in this fight were Alice Paul and Woodrow Wilson. This article sheds light on their roles and the impactful events that led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Alice Paul's Determination to Achieve Equality

Alice Paul, born on January 11, 1885, in New Jersey, was a dedicated suffragette who played a crucial role in women's suffrage movement. She was known for her steadfast commitment to the cause and her unwavering determination to achieve equality between men and women.

Paul organized the National Woman's Party (NWP) in 1913, which aimed to secure women's full citizenship and the right to vote. Under Paul's leadership, the NWP adopted bold and innovative strategies to bring attention to their cause. One notable action was the picketing of President Woodrow Wilson's White House, demanding suffrage for women.

Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait?: Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson, and the Fight for the Right to Vote

by Tina Cassidy (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17804 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	305 pages

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Woodrow Wilson's Evolving Views

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, initially opposed granting women the right to vote. However, his stance gradually changed due to various factors, including pressure from suffragettes like Alice Paul, changing societal perceptions, and the growing women's suffrage movement.

Wilson's views on suffrage shifted after he witnessed the dedication and resilience of the suffragettes. He later expressed his support for the 19th Amendment, which would grant women the right to vote. Wilson's endorsement significantly contributed to the eventual success of the women's suffrage movement in the United States.

The Impactful Actions and Legislation

The fight for women's suffrage was not limited to peaceful protests and picketing. Suffragettes faced significant opposition, verbal abuse, and even physical attacks. Their commitment to the cause prevailed despite these challenges.

One of the most significant events in the suffrage movement was the Night of Terror, which occurred on November 14, 1917. Alice Paul and fellow suffragettes were imprisoned after peacefully protesting in front of the White House. They were subject to brutal treatment, including being beaten and force-fed. This incident shed light on the suffragettes' determination and garnered sympathy and support for their cause.

In 1919, the 19th Amendment, also known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, was passed by the United States Congress. This amendment granted women the right to vote, marking a historic milestone in the fight for gender equality and paving the way for future advocacy and awareness about women's rights.

Ratification and Legacy

The ratification of the 19th Amendment required approval from three-fourths of the states. It was a lengthy and challenging process, but on August 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, reaching the required threshold. This milestone ensured that women across the United States would have the right to vote.

The fight for suffrage led by Alice Paul and countless other suffragettes brought about a revolutionary change in American society. Their determination, sacrifice, and perseverance paved the way for future progress in women's rights and equality.

In

Alice Paul and Woodrow Wilson played instrumental roles in the fight for women's suffrage. Paul's unwavering determination and innovative strategies, coupled with Wilson's evolving views on the matter, eventually led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Their contributions changed the course of history, enabling women to participate in the democratic process and marking a significant step towards gender equality. The legacy of this movement continues to inspire activists today, reminding us that progress can be achieved through perseverance and unity.

Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait?: Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson, and the Fight for the Right to Vote

by Tina Cassidy (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17804 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	305 pages

FREE

In this “heroic narrative” (TheWall Street Journal), discover the inspiring and timely account of the complex relationship between leading suffragist Alice Paul and President Woodrow Wilson in her fight for women’s equality.

Woodrow Wilson lands in Washington, DC, in March of 1913, a day before he is set to take the presidential oath of office. He is surprised by the modest turnout. The crowds and reporters are blocks away from Union Station, watching a parade of eight thousand suffragists on Pennsylvania Avenue in a first-of-its-kind protest organized by a twenty-five-year-old activist named Alice Paul. The next day, TheNew York Times calls the procession “one of the most impressively beautiful spectacles ever staged in this country.”

Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait? weaves together two storylines: the trajectories of Alice Paul and Woodrow Wilson, two apparent opposites. Paul’s procession of suffragists resulted in her being granted a face-to-face meeting with President Wilson, one that would lead to many meetings and much discussion, but little progress for women. With no equality in sight and patience wearing thin, Paul organized the first group to ever picket in front of the White House lawn—night and day, through sweltering summer mornings and frigid fall nights.

From solitary confinement, hunger strikes, and the psychiatric ward to ever more determined activism, Mr. President,How Long Must We Wait? reveals the courageous, near-death journey it took, spearheaded in no small part by Alice Paul’s leadership, to grant women the right to vote in America. “A remarkable tale” (Kirkus Reviews) and a rousing portrait of a little-known feminist heroine, this is an eye-opening exploration of a crucial moment in American history one century before the Women’s March.