Women’s Suffrage

1. Women’s Suffrage Fighting for the Right to Vote

2. Inequalities for Women • They had no voice in the laws • They had no rights after marriage • They could not get custody of their kids in a divorce • They had no opportunity to enter most professions • They had to stop working when they got married • No right to vote • No right to a college education

3. The Movement Begins • The Women’s Suffrage Movement began in 1848 in Seneca Falls, NY.

4. National Women’s Party • Started in 1913. • Started by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. • Actions used: marches, picketing, civil disobedience. • The NWP was the first group to protest outside the White House; they used confrontation and direct actions to push for change. • Many were arrested and jailed for their actions.

5. Silent Sentinels • Alice Paul was the leader of the Silent Sentinels. • This was a group of women who picketed in front of the White House. • They would stand silently in front of the White House with signs urging President Wilson to push for Women’s Suffrage. • These women were punished for their actions by being arrested and jailed. • Many faced harsh treatment while in jail. Many went on hunger strikes and guards would force food down their throats to end the hunger strikes!

6. Colors of the Movement • Yellow (Gold)—represents hope • White—represents purity • Purple—represents loyalty

7. The Yellow Rose • The 19th amendment was one state short of being approved. They needed Tennessee. • Roses on the state congressman’s suit told where he stood—Red rose-against, Yellow rose-for. They voted 2 times and it was a deadlock 48-48. On the 3rd vote one of the congressmen, Harry Burns, wearing a red rose switched sides and voted for the amendment! This vote gave women the right to vote!! • Why did he do it? He had received a telegram from his mom asking him to do the right thing and vote yes! • Burns was chased by an angry mob after his vote was cast. He escaped out of the 3rd floor window and along the edge of the Capitol into the attic where he hid until things cooled off.

8. Right to Vote • The 19th Amendment gives women the right to vote. • The 19th Amendment was ratified or approved in 1920.

9. Women Vote • The first presidential election women voted in was the 1920 election. • The candidates were Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding. The winner of the election was Harding.