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Wyoming Grants Suffrage for Women
In order to maintain an adequate number of electoral votes and compete with eastern states, the frontier states extended voting rights to both genders. (1) Wyoming was the first state to do so in 1869. (2) By the end of the 19th century, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho would also allow women the right to vote. In addition to the previously mentioned reasons, the right to vote was passed to encourage more women to migrate to the western states.
1. U.S. History, OpenStax
2. "How they Vote in Wyoming" -
Pioneer Wife, Mary Carpenter, Describes Frontier Life in Minnesota
Farm life was not simple out West. The work was laborious and long, which called for husband and wife to manage the farm equally. Thus, giving women equal-footing to men. Notably, Mary Carpenter wrote home to her aunt to describe the challenges of her life as a pioneer woman. Furthermore, Carpenter speaks of her pride and dedication to her newfound duties and role. This shift in responsibility highlighted the significance of women in the West and supported the suffrage movement.
1. U.S. History -
The Formation of the National American Women's Suffrage Association (NAWSA)
Although women out West had been granted suffrage, the battle continued on the East coast. To push for reform, the NAWSA was established and originally lead by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony before being taken over by Carrie Chapman Catt.(1) In fact, Catt was ultimately responsible for making woman suffrage the group's priority. The group used a celebrity endorsement strategy in order to gain awareness and apply political pressure. (1)
1. U.S. History, OpenStax -
Alice Paul forms the National Woman's Party
To continue the East coast fight for suffrage, a former member of the NAWSA, Alice Paul, disbands and organizes the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage with her friend Lucy Burns. (1) Later on, the group is renamed the National Woman's Party. Paul felt that the NAWSA was not forceful enough in their efforts to push for reform (1). In turn, the National Woman's Party would utilize more radical tactics.
1. U.S. History, OpenStax -
Alice Paul on Hunger Strike for Women's Suffrage
The most notorious act of the National Woman's Party was picketing outside of the White House for two years. Protesters became known as the Silent Sentinels. Eventually, Paul and a number of other group members were arrested. During Paul's time in jail, she began a hunger strike to catch the attention of President Woodrow Wilson with the hope to gain his support for the movement. Prison guards resorted to force feeding them and when word spread, President Wilson was embarrassed.
1. US History -
Woman's Suffrage becomes Law
The combined efforts of the NAWSA and the National Woman's Party motivated President Wilson to urge Congress to mandate the woman's right to vote. (1) Ultimately, President Wilson's daughter, a suffragist as well, convinced him to support the movement and speak with congressmen. (1) Soon enough, Congress called a special session and passed the Nineteenth Amendment, which prohibited voter discrimination on the basis of sex. The law was finally ratified in August of 1920.
1. U.S. History, OpenStax
