Ep 8. The Vote: Part 2

In "The Vote: Part 2," American Experience continues to explore the long and hard-fought battle for women's suffrage in America. This episode chronicles the final push for the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, and showcases the efforts of the suffragettes who fought tirelessly to achieve this monumental victory.

The episode begins with the 1913 suffrage parade in Washington, D.C., which was a massive event that drew thousands of supporters from across the country. However, the joy and excitement of the parade were short-lived, as the suffragettes faced significant opposition in the years that followed. The country was divided on the issue of women's suffrage, with many men and even some women believing that women were unfit for voting and politics.

Despite these challenges, the suffragettes persisted, engaging in bold and sometimes dangerous tactics to get their message heard. One particularly powerful moment in the episode is the story of Alice Paul, who went on a hunger strike while in prison to protest the harsh treatment of suffragettes by authorities. The suffragettes also utilized creative tactics, such as picketing outside the White House and burning copies of President Wilson's speeches, to draw attention to their cause.

However, the suffrage movement was not without its detractors. Many anti-suffrage groups formed, and women who spoke out in favor of suffrage were often shunned by their communities. The episode delves into the arguments made by anti-suffrage groups, which ranged from arguments about a woman's place being in the home to concerns about the impact of women's suffrage on society at large.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, the suffragettes eventually succeeded in achieving their goal. The episode covers the final push for the 19th Amendment, including the intense lobbying efforts made by suffrage organizations and the pivotal role played by President Wilson in pushing for the amendment's passage.

"The Vote: Part 2" is a powerful and inspiring look at the fight for women's suffrage in America. The episode features a wealth of archival footage and photographs, making it a visual feast for history buffs. It also includes interviews with historians and women's rights activists, adding important context and perspective to the story of the suffrage movement. All in all, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of women's rights in America.