Suffrage Movement Leadership: Alice Paul was a prominent leader in the women's suffrage movement. She joined the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) in 1910 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a driving force behind the organization's more militant wing.
Creation of the Congressional Union: In 1913, Paul founded the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage (CU), a more radical group that focused on lobbying Congress directly rather than relying solely on state-by-state suffrage campaigns. The CU employed innovative strategies, including picketing the White House and organizing massive demonstrations.
Picketing and Arrests: Paul and her fellow suffragists engaged in civil disobedience and public protests, often facing arrest and imprisonment for their actions. Their arrests and subsequent hunger strikes drew national attention to the suffrage cause.
Women's Suffrage Amendment: The Congressional Union played a crucial role in securing the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. Paul's leadership and tireless advocacy were instrumental in gaining support for women's suffrage.
Equal Rights Amendment: After the ratification of the 19th Amendment, Paul shifted her focus to securing equal rights for women. She founded the National Woman's Party (NWP) in 1920 to advocate for an Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the Constitution. Although the ERA faced significant resistance and was not ratified until decades later, Paul's efforts laid the foundation for future gender equality movements.
Paul's dedication, unwavering determination, and innovative tactics made her one of the most influential leaders in the women's suffrage movement and a pioneer for women's rights. Her achievements paved the way for greater political and social equality for women in the United States and beyond.