American History Tellers: Encore – The Fight for Women's Suffrage | Passing the Torch | Episode 3

Introduction

In episode three of American History Tellers: Passing the Torch, hosted by Lindsey Graham and produced by Wondery, listeners are transported to the pivotal moments of the American women's suffrage movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This episode delves deep into the strategies, challenges, and key figures that shaped the fight for women's right to vote, highlighting both progress and internal conflicts within the movement.

The Evolving Suffrage Movement of the 1890s

The narrative begins in the late 1890s, a time when a new generation of suffragists emerged—college graduates, career professionals, and working-class women—who brought fresh perspectives and pragmatic approaches to the longstanding battle for women's voting rights. Unlike their predecessors, this second wave was more willing to compromise and adopt practical arguments to garner broader support.

Key Figures: Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt

Central to this transformation are two pivotal figures: Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt. Through dramatized interactions, the episode illustrates the mentorship and strategic disagreements between the veteran suffragist Anthony and the emerging leader Catt.

• Training the Next Generation: In a reenacted scene from September 1896, Lindsey Graham portrays Anthony advising a young Catt on effective canvassing techniques.

  [02:00] Susan B. Anthony: "You're never going to persuade male voters by being so confrontational. And for heaven's sake, do not mention that appalling book."

  Here, Anthony emphasizes the need for pragmatism over ideological rigidity, advising Catt to tailor arguments to voters' existing beliefs rather than confrontational rhetoric.

• Strategic Success in Colorado: The episode highlights the successful 1893 Colorado referendum, the first state to grant women the vote by popular referendum. Catt's leadership and strategic alliances with labor unions and the populist party were instrumental in this victory.

  [03:08] Lindsey Graham: "The Colorado campaign revealed the political savvy of the younger suffragists."

Racial Tensions and the Southern Strategy

A significant portion of the episode addresses the internal racial conflicts within the suffrage movement, particularly the adoption of the Southern Strategy by white suffragists. This tactic aimed to align women's suffrage with white supremacy by excluding black women and shifting the focus to counteract perceived threats from black male voters.

• Exclusion of Black Suffragists: During a 1900 convention in Milwaukee, a dramatic encounter illustrates the blatant racism within the movement.

  [26:38] Susan B. Anthony: "Because it's for colored ladies, of course."

  This exclusionary practice led to the formation of independent black women's clubs, such as the National Association of Colored Women, founded by Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, Ida B. Wells, and Mary Church Terrell.

The Rise of Black Women's Suffrage Movement

Despite facing immense racism within the mainstream suffrage organizations, black women like Ida B. Wells and Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin forged their own paths. Ida B. Wells, after enduring personal tragedies and violent backlash, became a leading figure in advocating for both racial and gender equality.

• Ida B. Wells' Activism: The episode portrays Wells' relentless fight against lynching and her efforts to mobilize black women in the suffrage movement.

  [19:29] Ida B. Wells: "Mochi Health is here to help you start your weight loss journey with caring, personalized support..." (Note: This line is part of an advertisement interruption and is omitted from the content summary.)

Influence of British Suffragettes

The American movement was significantly influenced by the militant tactics of British suffragettes led by Emmeline Pankhurst. Alice Paul, a young American suffragist, observed and adopted these confrontational strategies upon returning to the United States.

• Adoption of Militant Tactics: Alice Paul's experiences in the UK, including her participation in hunger strikes and enduring force-feeding, inspired her to implement more radical methods in the American context.

  [32:59] Ida B. Wells: "This new year, why not let Audible expand your life by listening?..." (Note: Another advertisement interruption omitted.)

Leadership Transitions and New Strategies

With the passing of foundational leaders like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, the movement saw new leadership under figures like Anna Howard Shaw and later, Alice Paul. These leaders sought to rejuvenate the movement by focusing on a federal amendment and integrating more progressive and labor-oriented strategies.

• Carrie Chapman Catt’s Reforms: Catt streamlined the NAWSA's structure, introduced training programs, and set clear state-by-state goals, transitioning the organization towards a more organized and strategic approach.

  [40:33] Susan B. Anthony: "Need I remind you our conventions are part of a grand tradition..."

Turning Points: Washington and California

The victories in Washington (1910) and California (1911) marked significant turning points, demonstrating the effectiveness of new strategies that combined labor support, progressive alliances, and inclusive campaigning.

• Washington Vote: In 1910, suffragists in Washington state successfully passed the vote through collaboration with local labor organizers.

  [41:10] Carrie Chapman Catt: "As you know, I was in London earlier this year. I witnessed the suffragettes in action..."

• California Referendum: The 1911 California campaign showcased the diversified coalition, including Latina and immigrant women, which led to a narrow but crucial victory.

  [39:45] Carrie Chapman Catt: "I'll wear it proudly."

Conclusion and Transition to Future Struggles

As the episode concludes, it sets the stage for the escalating struggle towards a federal amendment, highlighting the upcoming challenges and further rifts within the movement, particularly between inclusive and exclusionary practices.

[41:59] Carrie Chapman Catt: "Like I said, it was just an idea. I'll see myself out."

This moment encapsulates the growing frustration among younger suffragists who sought more aggressive and inclusive strategies, foreshadowing the eventual rise of Alice Paul and the push for a constitutional amendment.

Future Episodes Preview

The episode hints at future narratives, including massive protests like the 5,000-woman march on Pennsylvania Avenue and Alice Paul's daring tactics to pressure President Woodrow Wilson, illustrating the relentless drive that eventually led to the passage of the 19th Amendment.

Notable Quotes

• Susan B. Anthony on Pragmatism:

  [02:00] "You're never going to persuade male voters by being so confrontational."

• Carrie Chapman Catt on Modernizing Strategies:

  [40:12] "As a matter of fact, I do have something on my mind... we could try something new."

• Anna Howard Shaw on Persistence:

  [12:17] "That's wonderful. I promise we're not going to let you down."

Additional Recommendations

For those interested in delving deeper into the nuances of the women's suffrage movement, the episode recommends:

• Women's Long Battle for the Vote by Ellen Carol Du Bois
• How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All by Martha S. Jones

Production Credits

• Host: Lindsey Graham
• Voice Acting: Kat Peoples and Cynthia San Luis
• Writing: Ellie Stanton
• Editing: Dorian Marina
• Senior Producer: Andy Herman
• Executive Producers: Jenny Lauer Beckman and Marshall Louie
• Sound Design: Derek Barrons
• Music: Lindsey Graham

Conclusion

Episode 3 of American History Tellers: Passing the Torch offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the multifaceted struggle for women's suffrage in America. By weaving together historical narratives, dramatized interactions, and insightful commentary, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the triumphs and tribulations that ultimately led to the enfranchisement of women in the United States.