National Woman's Party

Definition

The National Woman's Party (NWP) was a key organization founded in 1916 to advocate for women's suffrage in the United States. It played a crucial role in the fight for the 19th Amendment by using more militant tactics than other suffrage organizations, including protests, marches, and hunger strikes, to draw attention to the cause of women's voting rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The National Woman's Party was established by Alice Paul and others who broke away from the National American Woman Suffrage Association to adopt more aggressive tactics.
2. The NWP organized large-scale events such as the Woman Suffrage Procession in 1913 and the Silent Sentinels protest outside the White House during World War I.
3. One of their most famous actions included picketing the White House, where members held signs demanding that President Woodrow Wilson support women’s suffrage.
4. The NWP also supported and organized hunger strikes, with many members enduring arrests and imprisonment, which drew national attention to their cause.
5. Their efforts directly contributed to President Wilson's eventual support for the 19th Amendment, which was passed by Congress in June 1919 and ratified in August 1920.

Review Questions

• How did the strategies employed by the National Woman's Party differ from those used by other suffrage organizations?
  • The National Woman's Party adopted more militant and confrontational tactics compared to other suffrage organizations like the National American Woman Suffrage Association. While other groups primarily focused on lobbying and peaceful advocacy, the NWP organized protests, pickets, and hunger strikes to pressure political leaders. This approach aimed to attract media attention and public support through dramatic actions that highlighted the urgency of women's voting rights.
• Discuss how Alice Paul's leadership influenced the direction and tactics of the National Woman's Party in their fight for women's suffrage.
  • Alice Paul's leadership significantly shaped the NWP's strategies as she advocated for more aggressive tactics than those traditionally used by other suffragists. Her experience with British suffragettes influenced her decision to organize high-profile demonstrations, such as picketing the White House. Paul's commitment to direct action not only galvanized support but also brought national attention to women's suffrage, ultimately leading to increased pressure on lawmakers to pass the 19th Amendment.
• Evaluate the impact of the National Woman's Party on the overall success of the women's suffrage movement in relation to societal attitudes towards women's rights during that time.
  • The National Woman's Party played a pivotal role in transforming societal attitudes toward women's rights by introducing more radical methods that captured public interest and media coverage. Their bold actions challenged traditional notions of femininity and propriety while highlighting women's determination to secure their voting rights. This shift contributed to a broader dialogue about gender equality, paving the way for eventual legislative changes like the 19th Amendment. By demonstrating their commitment through civil disobedience, they not only advanced their own cause but also inspired future generations of activists fighting for women's rights.

Related terms

Alice Paul: A prominent leader of the NWP, Alice Paul was a key strategist who helped organize many of the party's militant actions and was instrumental in pushing for the passage of the 19th Amendment.

Suffragette: A term often used to describe women who campaigned for the right to vote, particularly in the early 20th century; suffragettes were known for their militant approaches, especially in the UK and the US.

19th Amendment: Ratified in 1920, this amendment granted women the legal right to vote in the United States, marking a significant victory for the women's suffrage movement.