What methods did the suffragists use?
Quick Answer
Suffragists used a variety of tactics in order to gain votes, most notably lobbying, public demonstrations and civil disobedience. In the United States, suffragists often began working at the state level since achieving voting rights in one state often made the senators and representatives from that state more amenable to national suffrage.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
When suffrage activists were arrested, many of them petitioned to be declared political prisoners. When their respective governments refused, many of the activists went on a hunger strike. In some cases, this resulted in early release, while in others, prison officials began a regimen of force-feeding that had the potential to cause health and psychological issues.
While most suffrage movements have been peaceful, violence was never uncommon during the suffragists' quest for rights. Most of the violence was directed against activists by suffrage opponents or by the state. During the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, some states technically allowed African Americans to vote, but violence and intimidation at the local level effectively disenfranchised them. In such cases, simply exercising the right to vote served as a suffragist tactic. Standing up to the intimidation and drawing national attention to the situation helped turn public opinion toward universal suffrage, and several activists even sacrificed their lives for the movement.
Learn more about US HistoryRelated Questions
-
Q:
What are some famous acts of civil disobedience in the USA?
A: Although America has a rich history of civil disobedience stretching back to the birth of the country, among the most famous acts include the arrest of Hen... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some examples of civil disobedience in U.S. history?
A: The United States has a long history of civil disobedience, stretching back to the Boston Tea Party and continuing through the Suffrage and Civil Rights mo... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What caused the Spanish-American War?
A: After rebellion broke out in Cuba in 1895, the Spanish-American war began when reports of Spain's vicious military tactics led to public outcry in the Unit... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What was the closest presidential election?
A: The 1960 presidential race between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon was the closest presidential election in U.S. history in terms of the popular vote and... Full Answer >Filed Under:
