Women of the anti-suffrage movement emphasized patriotism and womanly identity through their letters, petitions, and statements. In order to voice their opinion and maintain their traditionally gendered beliefs, these women struggled between the public and private spheres.
Letters
Letters were often addressed to Congress as an institution or individual Congress members.
Petitions
Again, petitions were largely sent to congress members.
The Women’s Protest
Published by the National Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage, it contained articles written by and for anti-suffragists.
I argue that women of the anti-women’s suffrage movement emphasized patriotism and womanly identity in letters, petitions, and statements to create an argument opposing the 19th amendment. This research helps us understand the history of women’s rhetoric by analyzing the rhetorical techniques used by a group of women who struggled between the public and private spheres to reject increased women’s rights.
Thesis
Corrine Longenbach
Dr. Beatty
HIS 399
Final Project
Women's Rhetoric in the Anti-Suffrage Movement 