American History Tellers: ENCORE: The Fight for Women's Suffrage | The Trial of Susan B. Anthony | Episode 2 Summary

Introduction and Historical Context

In this riveting episode of American History Tellers, hosted by Lindsey Graham, listeners are transported to the tumultuous era of the late 19th century—a pivotal time in the fight for women's suffrage in America. The narrative delves into the strategic maneuvers, key personalities, and landmark events that shaped the suffrage movement, culminating in the dramatic trial of Susan B. Anthony.

The Struggle for Suffrage Post-Civil War

Following the Civil War, the Reconstruction Amendments—the 13th, 14th, and 15th—extended civil and legal protections to formerly enslaved individuals and granted voting rights to Black men. However, women remained excluded from this newfound political enfranchisement, sparking outrage among suffragists who refused to accept this exclusion.

The New Departure Strategy

A significant shift occurred with Virginia Minor's innovative "New Departure" strategy. In 1867, Minor founded Missouri's first suffrage association, advocating that the 14th Amendment already guaranteed women the right to vote. At a 1869 suffrage convention in St. Louis, Minor declared:

"I believe that the Constitution of the United States gives me every right and privilege to which every other citizen is entitled..."
(00:XX)

This interpretation hinged on the inclusion of the term "persons" in the amendment, arguing that it inherently covered both men and women, thereby entitling women to the ballot box without awaiting a new constitutional amendment.

Victoria Woodhull: A Radical Voice in the Movement

Enter Victoria Woodhull, a formidable figure whose unconventional methods and outspoken nature brought renewed vigor to the suffrage movement. Woodhull's early life was marked by hardship, including an abusive marriage and subsequent divorce, which propelled her into activism. By 1870, she and her sister Tennessee had become the first female stockbrokers on Wall Street, amassing wealth that funded their progressive newspaper advocating feminism, free love, and suffrage.

In January 1871, Woodhull made history as the first woman to address a U.S. House Committee, urging Congress to recognize women's voting rights under the 14th Amendment. Despite the committee's rejection, her boldness resonated with key suffrage leaders:

Susan B. Anthony: "If it takes youth, beauty, and money to capture Congress, Victoria is the woman we are after."
(03:XX)

Internal Conflicts and Radicalism

Woodhull's radical stance, particularly her advocacy for free love, stirred controversy within the suffrage movement. Her public declaration:

"Yes, I am a free lover. I have an inalienable constitutional and natural right to love whom I may..."
(10:XX)

led to accusations of immorality and strained relationships with more conservative leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. While Anthony and Stanton supported the New Departure strategy, Woodhull's outspoken nature and political ambitions, including her 1871 presidential run, created friction and nearly severed their friendship.

Susan B. Anthony: Defiance and Legal Battle

Undeterred by setbacks, Susan B. Anthony emerged as a steadfast leader. On election day in November 1872, Anthony successfully cast her vote in Rochester, New York, challenging the status quo. Her actions resulted in her arrest under the 1870 Enforcement Act, which was originally intended to protect Black voters but was controversially applied to prosecute Anthony for illegal voting based on gender.

The Trial of Susan B. Anthony

The trial, set in June 1873 in Canandaigua, New York, was a landmark case for women's suffrage. Judge Ward Hunt, with predetermined convictions, instructed an all-male jury to deliver a guilty verdict without considering Anthony's constitutional arguments. During sentencing, Anthony delivered a powerful speech emphasizing her rights as a citizen:

"Your denial of my citizenship rights is the denial of my right of consent as one of the governed..."
(24:XX)

Despite her impassioned defense, Anthony was fined $100 and allowed to go free without jail time. The trial garnered national attention, highlighting the deep-seated resistance to women's enfranchisement.

Aftermath and Continued Advocacy

Following the trial, Susan B. Anthony intensified her efforts to promote suffrage. She embarked on a speaking tour across Monroe County, leveraging her notoriety to garner support and educate the public about the New Departure strategy. Anthony's relentless advocacy set the stage for future legal battles and grassroots movements.

The Role of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU)

The episode underscores the pivotal role of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) in the suffrage movement. Under the leadership of Frances Willard, the WCTU integrated suffrage into its platform, framing it as essential for combating alcohol's societal harms. This alliance broadened the movement's appeal, attracting diverse women, including African American activists like Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and establishing the WCTU as a formidable force with 70,000 members across 44 states by the mid-1870s.

Western Front and Setbacks

The suffrage movement's expansion to western states like Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado represented significant progress. However, these victories were often undermined by the aggressive opposition of the liquor industry, which feared female voters would support temperance legislation. The episode highlights instances of election fraud, such as the 1882 Nebraska referendum, where the Brewers Association manipulated ballots to prevent suffrage approval:

"The liquor industry used ... underhanded tactics to defeat suffrage."
(39:XX)

These setbacks forced suffragists like Susan B. Anthony to pivot towards state-by-state campaigns, recognizing that federal amendments were slow to materialize.

Conclusion and Legacy

By 1887, despite numerous challenges and defeats—including the Supreme Court's rejection of the New Departure argument in Minor v. Happersett—the suffrage movement had laid a robust foundation. Anthony remained optimistic, believing that continued advocacy and strategic alliances would eventually secure women's voting rights. The episode concludes by acknowledging the enduring legacy of these early suffragists, whose efforts paved the way for future generations of activists and the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Notable Quotes

• Victoria Woodhull (00:00–03:04):

  "I have every right to vote in this election."
  "I am a citizen of the United States, and the 14th Amendment protects my privileges as a citizen."

• Susan B. Anthony (24:XX):

  "Your denial of my citizenship rights is the denial of my right of consent as one of the governed."

Key Takeaways

1. Strategic Shifts: The adoption of the New Departure strategy marked a critical evolution in the suffrage movement, leveraging existing constitutional amendments to argue for women's voting rights.

2. Internal Dynamics: The movement grappled with internal conflicts between radical and conservative factions, exemplified by the relationship between Victoria Woodhull and Susan B. Anthony.

3. Legal Battles: The trial of Susan B. Anthony was a pivotal moment, galvanizing support and bringing national attention to the suffrage cause despite the prosecution's unfavorable verdict.

4. Alliances and Opposition: Partnerships with organizations like the WCTU expanded the movement's reach, while formidable opposition from industries like liquor exemplified the challenges suffragists faced.

5. Persistent Advocacy: Despite numerous obstacles, the unwavering dedication of leaders like Susan B. Anthony ensured the continuation and eventual success of the women's suffrage movement.

Recommendations for Further Reading

For those inspired by this episode, Suffrage: Women's Long Battle for the Vote by Ellen Carol DuBois and Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All by Martha S. Jones are highly recommended.

Credits

This episode was written by Ellie Stanton, with voice acting by Ace Anderson, Cat Peoples, and Cynthia San Luis. Produced and edited by Lindsey Graham, with sound design by Derek Barrons and music by Lindsey Graham. Executive Producers: Jenny Lauer Beckman and Marshall Louie.

American History Tellers continues to illuminate the rich and complex stories that have shaped America. Join Wondery for more in-depth explorations of history's pivotal moments.