National Woman's Party

Definition

The National Woman's Party (NWP) was an American women's organization founded in 1916 that played a pivotal role in the fight for women's suffrage. It was notable for its militant tactics and focused on securing the right to vote through direct action, including protests and hunger strikes, which distinguished it from other suffrage organizations of the time. The NWP's commitment to equal rights and persistent activism helped elevate the conversation around women's suffrage and ultimately contributed to the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The National Woman's Party was founded by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, aiming to focus solely on women's suffrage and equality.
2. The NWP is best known for its more radical approaches, including picketing the White House and organizing marches, which drew significant public attention to their cause.
3. During World War I, members of the NWP continued their protests despite public backlash, emphasizing their commitment to women's rights even in turbulent times.
4. In 1917, several members of the NWP were arrested for protesting outside the White House, leading to hunger strikes that brought further attention to their struggle.
5. The efforts of the NWP culminated in a major victory with the ratification of the 19th Amendment on August 18, 1920, granting women nationwide the right to vote.

Review Questions

• How did the tactics used by the National Woman's Party differ from those of other suffrage organizations at the time?
  • The National Woman's Party distinguished itself through its militant tactics, such as picketing and civil disobedience, which contrasted sharply with the more conservative approaches taken by other groups like the National American Woman Suffrage Association. While some organizations focused on lobbying and gradual change through state-level campaigns, the NWP sought immediate results through direct action. This aggressive strategy not only garnered media attention but also highlighted the urgency of women's suffrage in a way that resonated with a wider audience.
• Analyze how Alice Paul's leadership shaped the mission and methods of the National Woman's Party.
  • Alice Paul’s leadership was instrumental in defining both the mission and methods of the National Woman's Party. She advocated for a more confrontational approach to suffrage activism, believing that persistent protest would draw attention to women's demands. Her background in social movements in England influenced her strategy of civil disobedience and hunger strikes, which were pivotal in rallying support for women's rights. Under her guidance, the NWP became synonymous with bold activism that challenged societal norms and effectively kept women's suffrage in public discourse.
• Evaluate the impact of World War I on the strategies employed by the National Woman's Party and how it affected public perception of women’s suffrage.
  • World War I had a profound impact on both the strategies of the National Woman's Party and public perception of women's suffrage. While many organizations temporarily paused their campaigns during the war, the NWP intensified its protests, arguing that women’s contributions to the war effort warranted equal rights. This bold stance during a time of national crisis attracted both criticism and support. Ultimately, it helped shift public opinion by demonstrating women's capabilities and reinforcing their arguments for voting rights as essential for democracy. The war period thus became a crucial turning point that propelled women's suffrage into mainstream discussions leading up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Related terms

Alice Paul: A prominent suffragist and leader of the National Woman's Party, known for her strategic use of protests and civil disobedience to advocate for women's voting rights.

19th Amendment: The constitutional amendment ratified in 1920 that granted women the right to vote in the United States, largely due to the efforts of organizations like the NWP.

Suffragette: A term used to describe women in the early 20th century who campaigned for women's right to vote, especially in the UK and the US, often involving militant tactics.