Iron-Jawed Angels

by Linda G. Ford

This book is an in-depth analysis of how the National Woman's Party's militancy evolved during the period of early twentieth century feminism and American suffrage as a response to the intransigence of male-centered government. Working first as aggressive political lobbyists in an era of progressive reform, the militants brought their struggle on into a period of war hysteria in which they developed an effective strategy of nonviolent civil disobedience as anti-government dissenters. Feminist militancy and readiness to resist authorities and break the law for women's rights developed gradually. Women militants, composed of a wide variety of intensely committed women, were not shy about critiquing male oppression and in turn, male authorities responded to the perceived threat of these unnatural 'iron-jawed' females. This study examines the nature of these militants, with biographical sketches, and their evolution from petitions to pickets to prison. Selected by the Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Human Rights in the United States as an outstanding book.

Genres: History, Feminism, Nonfiction, Womens, American History

312 pages, Paperback

First published April 24, 1991

Reviews

[Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows the careers for the radical suffrage movement, mostly Alice Paul, a crush of mine. It's important to realize that radical support of important positions often leads to change that polite support has not achieved. We owe a debt to the brave women who forced through the Nineteenth Amendment when Wilson would have happily let it die. The book is not an easy read, but it is an important one. I read the footnotes before I read the main part of the book. I wish I could have taken notes as my mentor, Ralph Stueber, taught me to do.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish this would be reprinted in a clearer font, but otherwise, what an excellent history.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

watched the DVD several times

OMG I have to own this.

from the library computer:
Summary: Alice Paul and Lucy Burns were two defiant suffragist women who fought for the passage of the 19th Amendment. The two activists broke from the mainstream women's rights movement and created a more radical wing, daring to push the boundaries to secure women's voting rights in 1920. In a country dominated by chauvinism, this is no easy fight. Along the way, sacrifices are made: Alice gives up a chance for love, and collegue Inez Mulholland gives up her life.
Target Audience Note: MPAA rating: Not rated.

[Pranada Comtois · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of power and inspiration that makes me want to get up and add to the great work these selfless woman offered.

Why the word Militancy in the title? President Wilson and the men's policies were militant, not the womens!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could thank these women for everything they did. It's because of them I can have a say in my government. Thank you ladies for everything you endured, this country is better because of it

[Gaby Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book it self for us women