We will be screening
Extended: Upping the Ante and Jailed for Freedom
In this clip, we look at the suffrage movement in 1917, six decades since the movement began in earnest. Frustrated by the ongoing lack of success, fiery suffrage leader Alice Paul begins a daily picket in front of the White House gates. Although controversial within the National Woman Suffrage Association, this action draws considerable media attention to Paul’s criticisms of Woodrow Wilson and his unwillingness to take action. However, the beginning of America’s involvement in WWI changes the landscape of protest within the country. While Paul continues her picket, public outrage over her actions grows to an uproar. Carrie Chapman Catt, leader of the National Woman Suffrage Association, chooses to denounce Paul’s actions. Many of the women are arrested and jailed. At the same time, Catt leverages her good will with President Wilson to push for state suffrage laws, rather than a national referendum. Paul and Catt continue to employ vastly different methods working towards the same goal: voting rights for all American women.
Discussion Guests:
- Susan Bellows, Acting Executive Producer, American Experience
- Michelle Ferrari, Writer, Producer and Director, The Vote
- Marcia Chatelain, Provost’s Distinguished Associate Professor of History and African American Studies, Georgetown University
- Ellen Carol DuBois, Distinguished Research Professor, Historian
Free registration for the Wednesday, April 29 virtual event is available at the link below. Access to the screening will be automatically provided to confirmed registrants.
Join the PBS history series American Experience for a virtual screening and lively discussion about the unsung leaders and deep controversies of the women’s suffrage movement explored in The Vote.