One hundred years after the passage of the 19th Amendment, American Experience’s “The Vote” tells the dramatic story of the hard-fought campaign waged by American women for the right to vote, a transformative cultural and political movement that resulted in the largest expansion of voting rights in U.S. history. It brings to life the unsung leaders of the movement and the deep controversies over gender roles and race that divided Americans then — and continue to dominate political discourse today.
“The Vote” will air on local PBS stations on July 6-7. PBS Passport members can view it now online. Select previews and interactive features are also available here.
For more information on the critical role that Illinois played in the years the program covers, including the story of the importance of Illinois women gaining a limited ballot in 1913, visit blog posts and other information on this website.
In addition to the broadcast of the program on the 6th and 7th there are two national preview options coming soon, with scholars and producers of the program as panelists answering questions and presenting a behind-the-scenes story. Click on the links below to learn more and register to attend.
Suffragists organized a massive parade in 1913 in Washington, D.C., drawing thousands of marchers and onlookers. At the same time, the movement struggled to define the role African American women will play in the fight for suffrage in a country still filled with racism. Preview takes place June 23rd at 7pm ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/american-experience-the-vote-screening-and-discussion-tickets-108860733384
Alice Paul took suffrage protest to a new level, organizing a daily picket at the gates of the White House, an action that would get her and her fellow protesters arrested and jailed repeatedly. Meanwhile, Carrie Chapman Catt pursued more traditional tactics, with the backdrop of America at war. Preview on June 29th at 6:30pm ET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/american-experience-the-vote-screening-and-discussion-tickets-108869993080
Finally, for a powerful analysis of the role of African American women in the suffrage movement, and especially in the 1913 Suffrage Parade, click the link below to see Martha Jones essay – Black Women’s 200 Year Fight for the Vote.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/vote-black-women-200-year-fight-for-vote/?fbclid=IwAR3a5aTCDWBnCiWyT7mDXQaTLQFd7rN8a5H5O9HbU5uLeBhIODO8sd8ISiw
Suffrage 2020 Illinois 