American History Tellers: ENCORE – The Fight for Women's Suffrage | Silent Sentinels | Episode 4

Release Date: March 26, 2025
Host: Lindsey Graham (not the Senator)
Network: Wondery

Introduction

In Episode 4 of American History Tellers, hosted by Lindsey Graham, the spotlight shines on the tumultuous and transformative fight for women's suffrage in the United States. This episode, titled "Silent Sentinels," delves deep into the strategies, conflicts, and key figures that propelled the suffrage movement toward monumental change. Through vivid storytelling and detailed accounts, listeners gain an immersive understanding of the sacrifices and triumphs that defined this pivotal era in American history.

The March on Washington – March 3, 1913

The episode opens on the afternoon of March 3, 1913, as thousands of women converge on Washington, D.C., to march down Pennsylvania Avenue advocating for a federal suffrage amendment. Alice Paul, a 28-year-old fervent suffragist, emerges as a central figure, eager to employ dramatic tactics inspired by the British suffragette movement to accelerate the fight for voting rights.

Key Moment: Confrontation During the March
As the march progresses, tensions escalate when a group of drunken men confronts the suffragists, leading to chaos and violence. Alice Paul's composure and determination are highlighted during this altercation:

Alice Paul [02:21]: "Votes for women. Ain't that the craziest idea you ever heard?"

This violent encounter, where over 100 women were hospitalized, garnered sensational front-page news, amplifying the suffrage cause's visibility and urgency.

Internal Conflicts and Racial Tensions

A significant portion of the episode addresses the internal struggles within the suffrage movement, particularly regarding the inclusion of Black women. Alice Paul's strategic decision to segregate Black suffragists aimed to prevent backlash from Southern delegations. However, this approach was met with resistance from Black suffragists themselves, who insisted on their rightful place in the march.

Notable Interaction: Alice Paul and Claire
In a poignant exchange, Claire, a member of Howard University's Delta Sigma Theta sorority, confronts Alice Paul about racial segregation:

Claire [12:50]: "Well, you can try."

This confrontation underscores the broader societal challenges of racial inequality intertwined with the fight for women's rights.

Formation of the Congressional Union and Rising Tensions

Alice Paul's dissatisfaction with the slow progress of state-by-state campaigns leads her to establish the Congressional Union, a more militant arm of the suffrage movement. This move creates friction with established leaders like Anna Howard Shaw of the National American Women's Suffrage Association (NAWSA), who advocated for a more measured approach.

Critical Confrontation: Shaw vs. Paul
At the NAWSA annual convention in December 1913, Carrie Chapman Catt, representing the national association, vehemently opposes Paul's independent actions:

Carrie Chapman Catt [23:25]: "Are we to have two national organizations? I am for one cause and an army under one flag."

The resulting conflict leads to Alice Paul being ousted from NAWSA, solidifying the divide between traditional suffragists and the more radical factions.

The National Woman's Party and Political Maneuvering

By June 1916, Alice Paul establishes the National Woman's Party (NWP), focusing exclusively on securing a federal suffrage amendment. Leveraging significant financial backing from philanthropists like Alva Belmont, the NWP adopts aggressive tactics, including lobbying against President Woodrow Wilson and the Democratic Party, who were staunch opponents of a federal amendment.

Strategic Lobbying Efforts
The episode highlights the sophisticated lobbying strategies employed by the suffragists, such as the "front door lobby," which involved building relationships with influential congressional staff to sway legislation. Despite these efforts, President Wilson remained indifferent, emphasizing state control over voting rights:

President Wilson [05:20]: "Suffrage has never been brought to my attention."

Impact of World War I and Shifting Priorities

As World War I intensifies, the suffrage movement faces new challenges. Carrie Chapman Catt supports the war effort, hoping to garner political goodwill, while Alice Paul maintains a steadfast focus on suffrage, refusing to compromise even as the nation grapples with global conflict.

Climactic Protest: The Silent Sentinels Return
On April 2, 1917, the NWP resumes its picketing of the White House, famously known as the "Silent Sentinels," demonstrating unwavering commitment to their cause:

Alice Paul [34:19]: "We must show President Wilson and every other national leader that women are ready to revolt against hostility."

This relentless activism further cemented the suffrage movement's prominence in national discourse.

Conclusion and Legacy

The episode concludes by setting the stage for the next chapters in the suffrage movement, highlighting the personal sacrifices of key figures like Inez Milholland and the strategic shifts necessary to eventually secure the 19th Amendment. The internal conflicts and unwavering determination of leaders like Alice Paul and Carrie Chapman Catt illustrate the complex dynamics that fueled the fight for women's voting rights.

Final Reflection:

Lindsey Graham [39:54]: "You respect older suffragists like Shaw, but her reaction seems completely over the top for something as innocuous as chalking a sidewalk."

This reflection encapsulates the generational and ideological tensions that both hindered and propelled the movement towards its ultimate success.

For those intrigued by the intricate narratives of America's past, American History Tellers offers a compelling exploration of the events and individuals that shaped the nation. To continue the journey through history, tune in to the next episode where the United States enters World War I, leading to unprecedented challenges and advances in the fight for women's suffrage.