Lucy Burns

Definition

Lucy Burns was a prominent American suffragist and women's rights activist, best known for her role in the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century. She co-founded the National Woman's Party and played a critical role in advocating for the right to vote for women, utilizing tactics such as protests and civil disobedience to draw attention to the cause. Her fierce dedication and innovative strategies significantly contributed to the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lucy Burns was born on July 28, 1879, in Brooklyn, New York, and became a key figure in the suffrage movement after being inspired by her work with British suffragettes.
2. She was known for her strategic thinking and bold actions, including organizing pickets outside the White House during Woodrow Wilson's presidency to demand women's suffrage.
3. Burns faced arrests and harsh treatment during her protests, including force-feeding while she was imprisoned for participating in hunger strikes.
4. She played a significant role in the 1913 Women's Suffrage Procession in Washington, D.C., which was a pivotal event in raising public awareness about women's voting rights.
5. Burns remained active in the fight for women's rights long after the passage of the 19th Amendment, advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment and continuing her activism until her death in 1966.

Review Questions

• How did Lucy Burns' strategies influence the women's suffrage movement in America?
  • Lucy Burns' strategies significantly influenced the women's suffrage movement by introducing militant tactics that garnered national attention. She organized protests, pickets, and hunger strikes, effectively utilizing civil disobedience to challenge societal norms and political resistance. These bold actions not only mobilized supporters but also forced lawmakers to address women's voting rights more urgently, leading to greater public awareness and support for the cause.
• Discuss the relationship between Lucy Burns and Alice Paul in advancing women's suffrage.
  • Lucy Burns and Alice Paul shared a strong partnership in their efforts to advance women's suffrage. Together, they co-founded the National Woman's Party, where their combined leadership brought innovative strategies to the forefront of the movement. While Paul often focused on national campaigning and constitutional amendments, Burns' skills in organizing protests helped amplify their message. This collaboration resulted in impactful events like picketing the White House, which drew significant media coverage and public support.
• Evaluate the legacy of Lucy Burns in the context of ongoing struggles for gender equality beyond just suffrage.
  • Lucy Burns' legacy extends beyond her contributions to securing women's voting rights; it lays a foundation for ongoing struggles for gender equality. After achieving suffrage through the 19th Amendment, she continued to advocate for broader issues such as workplace equality and women's legal rights. Her commitment to activism inspired future generations of feminists, reinforcing the idea that the fight for equality is multifaceted and ongoing. By highlighting systemic inequalities, Burns helped pave the way for future movements focused on women's rights across various aspects of society.

Related terms

National Woman's Party: A political party founded in 1916 that focused on women's suffrage and equal rights, known for its militant tactics led by Lucy Burns and Alice Paul.

19th Amendment:

The constitutional amendment ratified in 1920 that granted women the right to vote in the United States.

Alice Paul:

An American suffragist and activist who co-founded the National Woman's Party with Lucy Burns and was instrumental in the fight for women's voting rights.