From the May 2018 Paper 2 IBDP History exam
The quest for greater equality in democratic states is a fascinating narrative in modern history. Historically, suffrage movements have been integral in this narrative, playing a pivotal role in shaping democratic societies as we know them today. This essay will critically examine the impact of these movements on two democratic states, the United States and France, each representing a different region. Each body paragraph will present analysis of one region, detailing significant developments and key figures that have shaped these societies' historical trajectory towards greater democratic equality. The conclusion will draw on the discussions from each paragraph to evaluate the overall impact of suffrage movements on equality in democratic states.
In the United States, the impact of the suffrage movement can be traced back to the mid-19th century, a period that witnessed significant developments in the struggle for women's right to vote. The Seneca Falls Convention of 1848, presided over by Mott and Stanton, marked the inception of a dedicated fight for women's suffrage. This event, characterised by the Declaration of Sentiments, was instrumental in fostering a broader discourse on women's rights. Cott argues that this convention effectively “set the agenda for the suffrage movement in the years that followed”. Following this convention, the suffrage movement gained significant momentum, with women's rights activists such as Anthony and Stone joining the struggle. Anthony was instrumental in creating the National Woman Suffrage Association in 1869, focusing on a federal constitutional amendment for women's right to vote. Stone, on the other hand, formed the American Woman Suffrage Association, targeting state-level suffrage amendments. DuBois praises this bifurcated strategy, asserting it played a significant role in advancing the suffrage cause.
In addition to Anthony and Stone, other figures emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to the dynamism of the suffrage movement in the United States. Paul, for example, was an essential figure who adopted more militant tactics learned from her experiences with the British suffrage movement. She founded the National Woman's Party in 1916 and was integral in the picketing of the White House in 1917, an act which underlined the urgency and seriousness of the suffrage cause to the wider public. Flexner argues that Paul's methods brought a new intensity to the suffrage movement, which contributed to its eventual success. However, while the activism of these suffrage campaigners was influential, the role of broader societal shifts should not be underestimated. The Industrial Revolution and the First World War brought about significant changes in the socio-economic landscape of the United States, affecting public perception towards women's roles. Women's contributions to the workforce during the war were widely acknowledged, leading to a shift in societal attitudes that proved favourable for the suffrage cause. Keyssar suggests that the shift in gender roles during the war was a crucial factor that facilitated the success of the suffrage movement. It is also important to consider the intersectionality of the struggle. The suffrage movement was not a monolithic entity, and the experiences of African American women were often distinct from those of their white counterparts. Terborg-Penn notes that African American women faced both racial and gender discrimination, which complicated their fight for suffrage.
The differentiation within the suffrage movement, as highlighted by Terborg-Penn, played a significant role in shaping the overall trajectory of the suffrage movement in the United States. While the mainstream suffrage movement was often criticised for sidelining the rights of African American women, the relentless fight of activists such as Wells-Barnett and Terrell, founders of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), demonstrated a strong push for inclusion. The NACW not only fought for women's right to vote, but also for civil rights more broadly, highlighting the interconnectedness of various forms of discrimination. Moreover, the suffrage movement in the United States was not isolated but was part of a broader global trend. The late 19th and early 20th centuries were characterised by a global wave of suffrage movements, as women in various parts of the world began to demand their political rights. Kraditor notes that the successes of suffrage movements elsewhere, such as in New Zealand and Finland, encouraged American suffragists, strengthening their resolve and lending international legitimacy to their cause. Finally, the role of legislative changes in facilitating the progress of the suffrage movement cannot be understated. The ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920 marked a significant milestone in the fight for women's suffrage, granting women the right to vote across the country. Weiss observes that this amendment was a direct result of the pressure exerted by the suffrage movement, demonstrating the impact of the movement on fostering greater democratic equality. In sum, the suffrage movement in the United States, marked by a combination of dedicated activism, societal shifts, intersectional struggle, and legislative changes, significantly influenced the course of democratic equality in the country. This comprehensive exploration provides a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between the suffrage movement and the development of democratic equality in the United States.
