what do you think changed president wilson's mind to support the women suffrage movement
President Wilson's change of mind regarding the women's suffrage movement can be attributed to several factors:
1. Pressure from suffragette activists: Women's suffrage leaders like Alice Paul and Lucy Burns organized protests, hunger strikes, and public speeches demanding that President Wilson support their cause. Their persistent and bold actions helped bring the issue to the forefront of public consciousness and put pressure on Wilson to take a stance.
2. World War I: The outbreak of World War I in Europe brought attention to women's contributions to the war effort. Women served in various roles previously reserved for men, including as nurses, munitions workers, and in other essential capacities. Their dedication and service during the war highlighted the need for their full citizenship rights, including the right to vote.
3. Changing public opinion: Throughout the early 20th century, the suffrage movement gained significant public support, with increasing numbers of people realizing the inherent injustice in denying women the right to vote. As public opinion shifted, President Wilson likely recognized that supporting suffrage aligned with the evolving societal values.
4. Political calculations: President Wilson, a Democrat, recognized the importance of securing the female vote. By supporting women's suffrage, he could gain support from women themselves as well as women's organizations, which could potentially benefit his party in future elections.
It is important to note that despite Wilson's change of stance, the suffrage movement faced further challenges before the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. However, Wilson's support was a significant step forward in achieving their ultimate goal.