Alice Paul, born in 1855 to Quaker parents, is amongst one of the few Americans that has had a major impact on the history of this country.  She had an unyielding vision that guided her and fellow suffragists to fight towards equality for women.  Paul was progressive and unstoppable. 

Alice Paul was born in New Jersey to wealthy parents.  As a child she and her siblings were offered many luxuries and experiences that were uncommon for that time.  Her Quaker up-bringing was based on the belief that men and women were equal.  Her faith established the foundation of her belief in equality.  Her faith also provided her with a prosperous heritage of activism and service to country. 

After finishing her master’s degree Paul made a decision to become a suffragist.  She joined the National American Women’s Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and quickly found herself working in Washington D.C., organizing for the suffrage movement.  She organized a major publicity event in an effort to gain national attention.  Along with her followers, Paul planned a huge parade of women that was to march up Pennsylvania Avenue, coinciding with Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration.  The parade turned ugly when the male onlookers physically attacked the suffragists while the police stood by and watched.  The day following the parade, the suffragists became a national conversation. 

After continued dissatisfaction with the efforts and campaign techniques of NAWSA, Paul left and formed the National Women’s Party (NWP).  NAWSA supported President Wilson and saw the Democrats as allies.  Paul wanted to hold Wilson and the democrats responsible for women’s continued disenfranchisement.

Under Paul’s leadership, the NWP organized “Silent Sentinels” in which the suffragist would stand outside the White House holding banners that were inscribed with provocative   phrases directed towards President Wilson.  President Wilson was amused by the suffragist and gave them little attention, each day, as he passed them.

The turning point came when the U.S. entered World War I in 1917.  Few Americans believed that Alice Paul and her NWP would continue to picket a wartime president.  This was viewed as an extremely unpatriotic event.  Paul saw this as the perfect time to gain increased attention for the cause.  The suffragists were attacked by angry mobs and were arrested on several occasions.  The suffragists, including Paul, were beaten repeatedly in prison and put through torturous treatment.  When the news about their treatment became known, some politicians and the public demanded their release. 

In direct response to the public’s protest about the prison abuse, President Wilson reversed his position and announced his support for a suffrage amendment.  He called this decision a “war measure.”  Due to Alice Paul’s continued commitment to a cause, in 1920 the 19^th Amendment was passed.  This gave women the right to vote after a long 72 year battle. 

Alice Paul was an amazing, progressive leader of her time.  Her courage and determination are unmatchable by many.  She had a vision and never let the many obstacles she encountered, lead her astray.  She was fearless in her labors.  She did not allow time or society to define her.  It is remarkable, that in spite of her efforts, sacrifices and accomplishments she is still not a recognizable historic figure.   Alice Paul was an unassuming leader who focused on a cause and not recognition for her efforts.  

Carol, R., Myers, K. and Lindman, J. (2007) Alice Paul: Feminist, Suffragist and Political

Strategist. Alice Paul Institute. Retrieved from http://www.alicepaul.org/alicepaul.htm