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Alice Paul Facts

Alice Paul Facts
Alice Paul was an American feminist and suffragist as well as a woman's rights activist well-known for her contribution to the 1910s campaign to make sex discrimination in voting prohibited. She was born on January 11th, 1885 in New Jersey, to Tacie Paul and William Mickle Paul I. Alice was a descendant of Pennsylvania's Quaker founder William Penn. She was raised to believe that all people are equal in God's eyes. Her mother inspired her to become in women's suffrage. Alice graduated top of her class and went on to graduate from Swarthmore College in 1905 with a degree in Biology. She went on to earn her M.A. in 1907 after studying economics, sociology, and political science. She eventually earned a law degree and Doctorate in Civil Laws.
Interesting Alice Paul Facts:
Alice Paul was in London England from 1906 to 1909 doing graduate work. She joined the women's suffrage movement in Britain and participated in a hunger strike while serving time after being arrested (several times).
In 1910 Alice Paul returned to the United States and joined the women's suffrage movement there.
In 1912 Alice Paul earned a Ph.D from the University of Pennsylvania.
After serving with the National Woman Suffrage Association Alice became frustrated with some of their policies. Together with Lucy Burns she helped form the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage.
The Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage was renamed the National Woman's Party and operated with the goal to create change at the federal level of government.
In 1917 Alice Paul participated in a group called the Silent Sentinels and picketed the White House. She served time in October and November for her role in picketing. Woodrow Wilson was the President of the United States during this time.
Alice Paul played a major role in the 1920 constitution change referred to as the 19th Amendment in which women won the right to vote.
Alice Paul introduced the first Equal Rights Amendment in 1923 in Congress. The amendment was never ratified but she did succeed in having an equal rights affirmation added to the United Nations charter.
Alice Paul dedicated her life to suffrage and did not marry or have children. She may have been proposed to by William Parker in 1917 but it is not known for a fact.
Alice Paul was arrested seven times and jailed three times while she was associated with the Women's Social and Political Union.
While in prison in London Alice became ill due to force feeding practices resulting from the hunger strike. Her health was negatively affected because of this practice.
Alice Paul also played a major role in adding protection to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for women.
In 1974 Alice Paul suffered a stroke but continued to fight for women's rights despite being debilitated.
Alice Paul passed away at the age of 92, on July 9th, 1977 in Moorestown, New Jersey.
Alice Paul was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1979.
Postage stamps have been issued in honor of Alice Paul in the United States and Great Britain.


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