American Women Vote Today Because Of Tennessee

  • Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Imagine being born into a country where you were denied the right to vote just because you were a woman.

That was primarily the situation for most American women prior to August 18, 1920, when Tennessee became the last state that could possibly ratify the 19th Amendment. The 72-year struggle for women to become enfranchised became a reality with Tennessee’s action which enshrined their right to vote in all elections in the U.S. Constitution.

We proudly state that all American women vote today thanks to Tennessee. 

Suffragists had to win in no fewer than 36 legislatures, while their opponents, the entrenched and well-heeled Antis, could kill the amendment by squashing it in just 13 legislatures. Behind the Antis’ formally organized battalions — a National Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage (for ladies) and the American Constitutional League (for gentlemen) — stood the suffragists’ real and most powerful enemies, a shadowy conglomerate of special interests referred to as the whiskey ring, the railroad trust, and the manufacturers’ lobby.

After passage in Congress on June 4, 1919, there were 34 state ratifications from June 10, 1919, until March 10, 1920. On March 22, 1920, the Washington state legislature was called into special session and unanimously completed ratification number 35. Where was number 36? With final victory so amazingly and tantalizingly close, the ratification campaign stalled. Six states, all Southern, had already rejected the amendment. Only seven states had not yet acted, and three of these – Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina – were also from the deep and Democratic South. No chance there where memories of federally-controlled elections during the dark days of Reconstruction still rankled, and the 19th Amendment, with its Section 2 granting enforcement powers to Congress, was anathema. There was no hope in Connecticut or Vermont.

It fell to Tennessee, a border state with well-organized pro-suffrage groups – National American Woman Suffrage Association and National Woman’s Party stalwarts — and anti-suffrage factions, to become “The Perfect 36.” The reluctant governor, A.H. Roberts, conveniently called a special session for August 9, 1920, after his party primary. After extensive heated debate and parliamentary maneuverings, the state Senate concurred 25-4. The House vote was a cliffhanger. It passed 50-46 on August 18, 1920, and survived constitutional challenges so that Tennessee’s ratification made votes for women the law of the land.

The late Carol Lynn Yellin, co-author of The Perfect 36: Tennessee Delivers Woman Suffrage, said the suffragists were the greatest politicians the world has ever seen because they won the right to vote without having it. 

As the national centennial in 2020 draws closer, there will be increased interest in this nonviolent revolution. We have put together the Tennessee Woman Suffrage Heritage Trail website to identify those sites and people who were instrumental in the woman suffrage movement. The East Tennessee Maps section has several individuals and locations listed. 

This will be helpful for heritage tourism, researchers, students preparing for History Day competitions, Scout troops, and anyone who wants to know more about these ordinary people who did extraordinary things. The suffragists proved democracy works. 

It also serves as a reminder that every woman who is in elective or appointive office owes a debt of gratitude to the suffragists who made their careers possible. 

There were numerous heroes and heroines in Tennessee. We are identifying the suffrage-related sites, markers, monuments, and individuals whose contributions should be remembered. The two of us have worked to get more public art honoring the suffragists placed across the state. There is a dearth of statuary honoring women, so we’re pleased to have more public art recognizing the suffragists.

Chattanooga has the Abby Crawford Milton marker at 100 McCallie Ave. which recognizes this outstanding suffragist. 

We welcome suggestions at twsheritagetrail@gmail.com for more items to include. As we celebrate Tennessee’s greatest gift to our country, be sure to register and vote.

Paula F. Casey and Jacque Hillman
Opinion
Democratic View On Top State Senate Issues - March 18, 2024
  • 3/18/2024

Campbell bill seeks to save lives by studying suicide trends in Tennessee 3 p.m. Senate Regular Calendar — SB 1787 , by Sen. Heidi Campbell, would require state health officials to produce ... more

The Odor Of Mendacity - And Response (2)
  • 3/16/2024

The Fulton County judge, Scott McAfee, overseeing the Fani Willis prosecution of Donald Trump and eighteen other defendants has spoken. In response to a motion by defendants to remove Willis ... more

Capitol Report From State Rep. Greg Vital For March 15
  • 3/15/2024

General Assembly confirms new Tennessee State Supreme Justice Members of the General Assembly confirmed the appointment of Mary L. Wagner to the Tennessee Supreme Court in a joint session ... more