American History Tellers: ENCORE: The Fight for Women's Suffrage | The 19th Amendment | Episode 5

Introduction

In this gripping encore episode of American History Tellers, hosted by Lindsey Graham from Wondery, listeners are taken deep into the tumultuous and inspiring journey towards the ratification of the 19th Amendment—the legal cornerstone that granted American women the right to vote. This detailed narrative explores the strategic battles, personal sacrifices, and relentless activism that culminated in one of the most significant milestones in American democracy.

1. The Suffrage Movement Amid World War I

June 1917: The White House Pickets

The episode opens in June 1917, with women from the National Woman's Party (NWP) led by Alice Paul staging persistent protests outside the White House gates in Washington, D.C. These women, who had left their professions to devote themselves entirely to the suffrage cause, aimed to highlight the hypocrisy of President Woodrow Wilson advocating for democracy abroad while denying women the right to vote at home.

Alice Paul [01:06]: "I'll never understand how Wilson can boast about American democracy to our allies when half the country can't even vote."

The NWP's unwavering commitment leads to increased tensions. Their bold protests, including the display of provocative banners, result in violent confrontations and mass arrests, underscoring the dangers these women faced in their fight for equality.

2. Alice Paul vs. Carrie Chapman Catt: Divergent Strategies

Within the suffrage movement, two primary organizations emerged with contrasting approaches: Alice Paul's NWP and Carrie Chapman Catt's National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).

• Alice Paul and the NWP: Emphasized direct action and public demonstrations, believing that visibility would force the nation to confront the injustice of denying women the vote.

  Alice Paul [02:34]: "We're simply exercising our First Amendment rights. We're doing nothing wrong."

• Carrie Chapman Catt and NAWSA: Focused on strategic lobbying and building alliances to gain gradual support for suffrage, aiming to showcase women's patriotism and loyalty, especially during wartime.

Catt's approach sought to shield the movement from accusations of disloyalty, particularly important as the United States was deeply embroiled in World War I.

3. Escalation of Activism: Hunger Strikes and Force Feeding

As the NWP's protests intensified, so did the backlash. Women like Alice Paul were arrested and subjected to brutal treatment in prison. Determined to protest their unjust incarceration, Paul and fellow inmate Rose Winslow initiated hunger strikes, demanding recognition as political prisoners.

Carrie Chapman Catt [14:21]: "I'm still not eating."

This act of defiance led to the horrifying practice of force-feeding, which not only exposed the government's cruelty but also garnered widespread public sympathy for the suffragists. The media's detailed coverage of these abuses played a crucial role in shifting public opinion in favor of the suffrage movement.

4. Legislative Breakthroughs: House of Representatives

The suffrage movement's persistent efforts began to bear fruit in the legislature. Montana Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, became a pivotal ally.

By January 1918, the House formed a Women's Suffrage Committee, signaling a renewed legislative focus on the amendment. Despite President Wilson's initial reluctance, strategic lobbying and demonstrations pressured him to endorse the amendment.

President Wilson [during refugee]: "I tell you plainly that this measure which I urge upon you is vital to winning the war."

On January 10, 1918, the House narrowly passed the Susan B. Anthony Amendment by a single vote, highlighting the amendment's fragile but promising future.

5. The Senate: An Uphill Battle

Passing the House was only half the battle. The Senate, with its own set of challenges, became the next critical arena. Carrie Chapman Catt and other suffrage leaders intensified their lobbying efforts, understanding that a two-thirds majority was essential for the amendment's passage.

Despite President Wilson's impassioned plea to the Senate, the amendment narrowly fell short by two votes in September 1918. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically with the midterm elections, where Republicans gained control of both chambers, creating a more favorable environment for the amendment's advancement.

6. The Tennessee Showdown: Securing the Final State

With 35 states ratified, only Tennessee and North Carolina remained. Focus shifted to Tennessee, where suffragists faced staunch opposition, particularly from Southern Democrats who opposed voting rights for Black women.

In August 1920, the Tennessee legislature became the final battleground. Despite fierce resistance and last-minute maneuvering by opponents like Speaker Seth Walker, a decisive moment occurred when Representative Harry Byrne, influenced by his mother's plea, cast the deciding vote in favor of ratification.

Harry Byrne [34:14]: (Implied through actions) His vote aligned with suffragist efforts, leading to the amendment's passage in Tennessee.

On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was officially ratified, marking the culmination of decades of struggle and sacrifice by countless women across the nation.

7. Celebrations and Ongoing Struggles

The ratification sparked nationwide jubilation. Alice Paul celebrated at the NWP headquarters, emphasizing that the fight for equality was far from over.

Alice Paul [35:25]: "Our work cannot end. Women are not yet on an equal basis with men."

Carrie Chapman Catt echoed similar sentiments, urging women to cherish their newfound voting rights and continue advocating for broader equality.

However, the episode does not shy away from highlighting the persistent challenges post-ratification. While millions of women gained the right to vote, systemic barriers continued to disenfranchise Black women and other minorities, particularly in the South. Moreover, Native American women remained without voting rights until 1924.

8. Legacy and Continuing the Fight for Equality

The fight for women's suffrage laid the groundwork for future activism. Leading figures like Catt transformed NAWSA into the League of Women Voters, focusing on educating women about their rights. Alice Paul continued her advocacy for gender equality, proposing the Equal Rights Amendment in 1923.

The episode underscores that the 19th Amendment was a significant milestone, yet it was merely the beginning of a broader struggle for gender equality and full democratic participation.

Conclusion

American History Tellers masterfully weaves together personal narratives, strategic analysis, and historical context to present a comprehensive account of the women's suffrage movement. Through vivid reenactments and insightful commentary, the episode honors the resilience and determination of the women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote, reminding us that their legacy continues to inspire ongoing efforts toward true equality.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alice Paul [01:06]: "I'll never understand how Wilson can boast about American democracy to our allies when half the country can't even vote."

• Police Officer [01:37]: "Traitors."

• Alice Paul [02:34]: "We're simply exercising our First Amendment rights. We're doing nothing wrong."

• Carrie Chapman Catt [14:21]: "I'm still not eating."

• Alice Paul [35:25]: "Our work cannot end. Women are not yet on an equal basis with men."

• Alice Paul [42:34]: "No, I suppose you wouldn't. You don't know anything about what it's like to be a second class citizen in your country, to be denied any voice in your government."

Further Recommendations

For those eager to delve deeper into the women's suffrage movement, American History Tellers recommends:

• "Women's Long Battle for the Vote" by Ellen Carroll DuBois
• "The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote" by Elaine Weiss

These works provide additional perspectives and detailed accounts of the perseverance and strategies that defined the suffrage movement.

Credits

• Host: Lindsey Graham
• Narration: Ace Anderson, Cat Peoples, Cynthia San Luis
• Production: Ellie Stanton, Dorian Marina
• Executive Producers: Jenny Lauer Beckman, Marshall Louie
• Sound Design: Derek Parents
• Music: Lindsey Graham
• Voice Acting: Ace Anderson, Cat Peoples, Cynthia San Luis