Silent sentinels

Definition

Silent sentinels refers to the group of women suffragists who protested outside the White House from 1917 to 1919, advocating for women's right to vote. These women, led by Alice Paul and the National Woman's Party, stood silently with banners demanding suffrage, making their presence known in a powerful, non-violent manner that drew significant public attention to the cause. Their unwavering commitment and strategic protests played a crucial role in the broader women's suffrage movement and ultimately contributed to the passage of the 19th Amendment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The silent sentinels were the first group to picket the White House, using their position to gain visibility for their cause during World War I.
2. They stood in front of the White House holding banners that highlighted President Wilson's previous support for democracy but criticized his stance on women's suffrage.
3. The protests included arrests and harsh treatment from law enforcement, which ultimately garnered public sympathy and attention for their cause.
4. Alice Paul organized these demonstrations as part of a broader strategy to apply pressure on lawmakers and increase awareness of women's voting rights.
5. The actions of the silent sentinels helped shift public opinion and political discourse around women's suffrage, contributing significantly to the eventual ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Review Questions

• How did the tactics employed by the silent sentinels differ from earlier suffrage movements, and what impact did this have on public perception?
  • The silent sentinels used non-violent protests, standing quietly with banners outside the White House, which was a stark contrast to earlier tactics that often involved rallies and speeches. This method created a powerful visual statement that captured media attention and emphasized their commitment. The contrast made their plight more relatable and urgent to the public, thereby increasing awareness and support for women's suffrage.
• Discuss the relationship between the silent sentinels' actions and President Wilson's response to women's suffrage during this time period.
  • The silent sentinels directly challenged President Wilson's commitment to democracy by highlighting his failure to support women's voting rights while advocating for democracy abroad. Their persistent presence forced Wilson to confront the inconsistency in his policies. This pressure from the sentinels contributed to a gradual shift in Wilson's stance, eventually leading him to endorse women's suffrage in 1918, marking a significant turning point in the movement.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the silent sentinels' protests on the women's suffrage movement and American society as a whole.
  • The silent sentinels' protests had lasting implications for both the women's suffrage movement and American society. By elevating the discourse around voting rights, their actions helped lay the groundwork for increased activism not just for women but for various civil rights movements in subsequent decades. Their emphasis on non-violent protest influenced future generations seeking social change, demonstrating that persistent advocacy could lead to significant legislative achievements like the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Related terms

Alice Paul: A prominent leader in the women's suffrage movement who was instrumental in organizing the silent sentinels and other suffrage activities.

National Woman's Party: A political organization founded by Alice Paul that focused on securing women's voting rights through more aggressive tactics, including protests and civil disobedience.

19th Amendment: The constitutional amendment ratified in 1920 that granted women the right to vote, largely influenced by the efforts of suffragists like the silent sentinels.