The historic women’s suffrage march on Washington - Michelle Mehrtens

Summary

On March 3, 1913, the Women's Suffrage Parade in Washington D.C. marked the first large-scale protest for women's voting rights. Led by activists like Inez Milholland and Alice Paul, the parade faced controversy and mob violence but ultimately drew national attention and sympathy. Despite setbacks and internal divisions, including racial tensions, the movement persevered, leading to the eventual ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote.

Takeaways

• 📅 On March 3, 1913, Inez Milholland led the Women’s Suffrage Parade in Washington D.C., marking the first mass protest for women's right to vote on a national scale.
• 🗣️ Women's rights activists had been campaigning for decades without major victories since 1896, when Utah and Idaho enfranchised women.
• 🔍 Alice Paul, inspired by British suffragettes, sought a constitutional amendment for nationwide women's voting rights rather than state-by-state campaigns.
• 🎭 Paul proposed a massive pageant to rejuvenate the suffrage movement, which faced initial rejection and attempts to marginalize the march by authorities.
• 👮‍♂️ Despite the authorities' attempts, Paul managed to schedule the parade for maximum media coverage, the day before Woodrow Wilson's presidential inauguration.
• 🚫 Paul's planning was criticized for focusing on white women and actively discouraging African American activists, who were instructed to march at the back.
• 🌟 Black women, including Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Mary Church Terrell, refused to be marginalized and participated prominently in the parade.
• 🎉 The parade featured a diverse procession with international suffragists, artists, performers, and business-owners, along with floats and historical performances.
• 🚨 The parade faced violent opposition from a mob, with over 100 women hospitalized and no police intervention, which led to widespread media coverage and sympathy for the suffragists.
• 📰 The incident led to national newspaper criticism of the police and Congressional hearings, significantly raising the profile of the suffrage movement.
• 🗳️ Despite the efforts and sacrifices of many, including Inez Milholland who died campaigning, full voting rights for women were not realized until the ratification of the 19th amendment in 1920.

Q & A

What significant event took place on March 3, 1913, involving Inez Milholland?

On March 3, 1913, Inez Milholland, dressed in a flowing cape and astride a white horse, led the Women’s Suffrage Parade in Washington D.C., which was the first mass protest for women's right to vote on a national scale.

What was the main goal of the Women’s Suffrage Parade of 1913?

The main goal of the Women’s Suffrage Parade was to call for a constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote, as they had been struggling to secure broader support for political equality.

How did Alice Paul's approach to women's suffrage differ from previous efforts?

Alice Paul, inspired by the British suffragettes, sought the long-lasting impact of a constitutional amendment that would protect women's voting rights nationwide, rather than conducting costly campaigns on a state-by-state basis.

What was the initial reaction of Washington authorities to Alice Paul's plan for the parade?

Washington authorities initially rejected Alice Paul's plan for the parade and then tried to relegate it to side streets, but Paul managed to overturn these decisions.

How did Alice Paul ensure maximum media coverage for the Women’s Suffrage Parade?

Alice Paul scheduled the parade for the day before the presidential inauguration of Woodrow Wilson, which maximized media coverage and attracted the attention of crowds who would be in town.

What controversial stance did Alice Paul take regarding the participation of African American activists in the parade?

Alice Paul actively discouraged African American activists and organizations from participating in the parade and stated that those who did should march in the back.

How did black women respond to the discouragement from participating in the Women’s Suffrage Parade?

Black women, such as Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Mary Church Terrell, refused to be made invisible and marched under their respective banners, persevering despite the hostility from white women in the movement.

What was the public reaction to the mistreatment of women during the Women’s Suffrage Parade?

The mistreatment of women during the parade, which included physical assault and lack of police intervention, was widely reported and garnered the suffragists greater sympathy, leading to national newspaper criticism of the police and Congressional hearings.

What was the immediate impact of the Women’s Suffrage Parade on public opinion and the movement?

The parade catapulted the women's suffrage movement into the public eye, leading to a surge of support for women's voting rights and increased pressure on representatives, attendance at rallies, and petitions to the White House.

What was the ultimate outcome of the efforts of suffragists like Inez Milholland?

Despite Inez Milholland's untimely death, the efforts of suffragists culminated in the ratification of the 19th amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote.

What was the reported last words of Inez Milholland, and what do they signify?

Inez Milholland's reported last words were, 'Mr. President, how long must women wait for liberty?', signifying the urgency and the ongoing struggle for women's rights and suffrage.