National Woman's Party
History
The National Woman's Party (NWP) was an American women's political organization formed in 1916 to fight for women's suffrage. It was founded by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns after their split from the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), which they felt was not aggressive enough in its tactics. The NWP played a pivotal role in the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote.
Formation and Early Activities
The NWP originated from the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage, which was established by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns in 1913. The Congressional Union aimed to secure an amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing women's suffrage. In 1916, the Congressional Union merged with the Woman's Party, a group of western suffragists, to form the National Woman's Party. The NWP adopted more militant tactics than its predecessors, including picketing the White House, organizing large-scale demonstrations, and engaging in civil disobedience.
Picketing and Imprisonment
One of the NWP's most notable actions was the Silent Sentinels protest, which began in January 1917. Members of the NWP picketed the White House, holding banners demanding the right to vote. This was the first time that such a protest had been directed at the White House. The picketers were often arrested and imprisoned, and many went on hunger strikes. The harsh treatment of these women garnered public sympathy and increased support for the suffrage movement.
Passage of the Nineteenth Amendment
The NWP's relentless campaigning contributed significantly to the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. The amendment, which prohibits any United States citizen from being denied the right to vote on the basis of sex, was a landmark victory for the women's suffrage movement. The NWP's tactics, which included lobbying, public demonstrations, and civil disobedience, were instrumental in convincing lawmakers to support the amendment.
Post-Suffrage Activities
After the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, the NWP shifted its focus to other issues of gender equality. One of its primary goals was the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which was first introduced to Congress in 1923. The ERA aimed to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in terms of divorce, property, employment, and other matters. Although the ERA has not been ratified, the NWP's advocacy laid the groundwork for future gender equality legislation.
Legal and Legislative Advocacy
The NWP continued to engage in legal and legislative advocacy throughout the 20th century. It supported various laws aimed at improving the status of women, including the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The NWP also worked to eliminate discriminatory laws and practices, particularly those related to employment and education.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The NWP was known for its hierarchical and centralized organizational structure. Alice Paul served as the primary leader of the NWP for many years, and her leadership style was characterized by a strong emphasis on discipline and strategic planning. The NWP's headquarters, known as the Sewall-Belmont House, served as a hub for its activities and remains a historic site today.
Key Figures
- Alice Paul: A leading figure in the suffrage movement, Paul was instrumental in the formation and leadership of the NWP. She was known for her strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to women's rights. - Lucy Burns: Co-founder of the NWP, Burns was a key organizer and strategist. She played a crucial role in the NWP's early activities, including the Silent Sentinels protest. - Doris Stevens: An important member of the NWP, Stevens authored "Jailed for Freedom," a book detailing the experiences of NWP members who were imprisoned for their activism.
Legacy and Impact
The National Woman's Party's legacy is significant in the history of women's rights in the United States. Its militant tactics and unwavering commitment to gender equality set it apart from other suffrage organizations. The NWP's efforts not only secured the right to vote for women but also laid the foundation for future gender equality movements.
Influence on Later Movements
The NWP's tactics and strategies influenced later feminist movements, particularly the second-wave feminism of the 1960s and 1970s. The organization's emphasis on legal and legislative change, as well as its use of public demonstrations and civil disobedience, became hallmarks of later feminist activism.