Silent Sentinels
Alice Paul and Lucy Burns trailblazed the more militant NWP. The partners adopted the rowdy tactics of British "suffragettes" to make their case.
"President Wilson is deceiving the world when he appears as the prophet of democracy. President Wilson has opposed those who demand democracy for this country. He is responsible for the disenfranchisement of millions of Americans. We in America know this. The world will find him out." -National Women's Party picket signs
On January 10, 1917, the minimal response garnered from President Wilson after disrupting his inauguration in 1913 induced the NWP to stand noiselessly outside the White House 24/7 until the "Susan B. Anthony" Amendment became the law of the land. They challenged Wilson's credibility and advised citizens to vote against his ideals, especially involving WWI.
Mr. Wilson, if you will free Europe, why will you not free women in the United States? |
While the women were eventually released, they fueled a national debate on presidential and legislative duties.