National Woman's Party

Definition

The National Woman's Party (NWP) was a prominent American women's organization founded in 1916 that focused on achieving women's suffrage through more militant tactics. It was established by Alice Paul and other suffragists who believed that the traditional methods of lobbying and petitioning were insufficient to secure the right to vote. The NWP played a critical role in the women's rights movement during the Gilded Age, advocating for a constitutional amendment for women's suffrage and employing tactics like protests, hunger strikes, and picketing to draw public attention to their cause.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The National Woman's Party was formed after a split from the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) over strategies for achieving women's voting rights.
2. The NWP was known for its more aggressive tactics, such as organizing parades, picketing the White House, and staging hunger strikes when arrested.
3. One of the first major actions of the NWP was the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession in Washington, D.C., which garnered significant national attention.
4. The NWP campaigned tirelessly for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which sought to ensure equal rights under the law, although it was not ratified until much later.
5. In 1917, members of the NWP were arrested for picketing outside the White House, leading to widespread public sympathy and support for their cause after reports of their mistreatment while imprisoned.

Review Questions

• How did the tactics employed by the National Woman's Party differ from those of other suffrage organizations at the time?
  • The National Woman's Party employed more militant and confrontational tactics compared to other suffrage organizations like NAWSA. While groups like NAWSA focused on traditional lobbying and state-level campaigns, NWP members organized protests, picketed the White House, and staged hunger strikes to demand immediate action on women's voting rights. This radical approach drew significant attention to their cause and highlighted the urgency of securing suffrage.
• Discuss the impact of the National Woman's Party on public perception of women's suffrage during the Gilded Age.
  • The National Woman's Party significantly influenced public perception of women's suffrage by using dramatic tactics that captured media attention and sparked public debate. Their bold actions, such as picketing and hunger strikes, highlighted not just the struggle for voting rights but also broader issues of gender equality. This shift in strategy helped change perceptions, making suffrage a pressing national issue that could no longer be ignored by politicians or society.
• Evaluate the long-term legacy of the National Woman's Party on subsequent movements for gender equality in America.
  • The National Woman's Party left a profound legacy that shaped future movements for gender equality in America. By adopting direct action strategies and emphasizing equal rights through campaigns like those for the Equal Rights Amendment, they set a precedent for future activism. Their approach inspired subsequent generations to engage in civil disobedience and grassroots organizing, highlighting that securing rights often requires challenging societal norms and government policies directly. The NWP's influence can be seen in various movements advocating for women's rights and equality throughout American history.

Related terms

Alice Paul:

A leading figure in the women's suffrage movement, co-founder of the National Woman's Party, known for her militant tactics and commitment to securing the right to vote for women.

19th Amendment:

A constitutional amendment ratified in 1920 that granted women the right to vote in the United States, marking a significant victory for the suffrage movement.

Suffragette: A term used primarily in the UK and the US to describe women who actively campaigned for women's right to vote, often through organized movements and protests.