Woman Suffrage Procession

Definition

The Woman Suffrage Procession was a historic march that took place on March 3, 1913, in Washington, D.C., aimed at advocating for women's right to vote. Organized by suffragists, including Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, the procession was strategically timed to coincide with President Woodrow Wilson's inauguration, drawing national attention to the women's suffrage movement. This event not only showcased the unity and determination of suffragists but also highlighted the social and political tensions surrounding women's rights during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The procession included over 5,000 women and was one of the largest demonstrations for women's rights at the time.
2. Participants in the procession wore white dresses and carried banners that represented various organizations advocating for women's suffrage.
3. The event faced significant opposition, including heckling from onlookers and police interference, but it successfully drew media coverage.
4. The Woman Suffrage Procession helped galvanize support for the suffrage movement and increased public awareness of women's voting rights issues.
5. Following the procession, Alice Paul and other leaders founded the National Women's Party, which focused on a more militant approach to securing women's suffrage.

Review Questions

• How did the Woman Suffrage Procession influence public perception of the women's suffrage movement?
  • The Woman Suffrage Procession significantly influenced public perception by showcasing the dedication and organization of women advocating for their voting rights. The visibility of thousands of participants marching peacefully in Washington, D.C., drew media attention and shifted some public opinion in favor of women's suffrage. This high-profile event highlighted both the unity among suffragists and the challenges they faced, emphasizing the urgent need for change.
• In what ways did Alice Paul’s strategies differ from those of earlier suffragists, particularly in relation to events like the Woman Suffrage Procession?
  • Alice Paul's strategies marked a shift towards more direct action and visibility compared to earlier suffragist efforts. While previous movements often relied on lobbying and state-level campaigns, Paul emphasized large-scale demonstrations like the Woman Suffrage Procession to draw national attention. She utilized dramatic tactics such as parades, picketing, and hunger strikes to create urgency around the issue, setting her apart from more conservative suffragists who favored gradual reform.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Woman Suffrage Procession on subsequent civil rights movements in America.
  • The Woman Suffrage Procession laid crucial groundwork for future civil rights movements by demonstrating effective protest strategies and highlighting issues of equality. Its success inspired other marginalized groups to organize similar events and assert their rights through public demonstrations. The visibility and media coverage generated by such actions contributed to a culture of activism that resonated in later movements, such as those for African American civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights, promoting broader societal change regarding equality and justice.

Related terms

19th Amendment:

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

Suffragette: A woman seeking the right to vote through organized protest, particularly in the early 20th century, often used to describe activists in the United Kingdom and the U.S.

Alice Paul:

A prominent American suffragist and women's rights activist who played a key role in the campaign for the 19th Amendment and organized the Woman Suffrage Procession.