The Suffragents: How Women Used Men to Get the Vote

by Brooke Kroeger

Finalist for the 2018 Sally and Morris Lasky Prize presented by the Center for Political History at Lebanon Valley College

The Suffragents is the untold story of how some of New York's most powerful men formed the Men's League for Woman Suffrage, which grew between 1909 and 1917 from 150 founding members into a force of thousands across thirty-five states. Brooke Kroeger explores the formation of the League and the men who instigated it to involve themselves with the suffrage campaign, what they did at the behest of the movement's female leadership, and why. She details the National American Woman Suffrage Association's strategic decision to accept their organized help and then to deploy these influential new allies as suffrage foot soldiers, a role they accepted with uncommon grace. Led by such luminaries as Oswald Garrison Villard, John Dewey, Max Eastman, Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, and George Foster Peabody, members of the League worked the streets, the stage, the press, and the legislative and executive branches of government. In the process, they helped convince waffling politicians, a dismissive public, and a largely hostile press to support the women's demand. Together, they swayed the course of history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Feminism, Adult

390 pages, Paperback

First published March 11, 2017

Reviews

[Francesca Calarco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lately, I have been doing a fair amount of background research on the 19th Amendment for a work project related to the centennial milestone, and throughout this process I have found a number of really great stories of women fighting and advocating for their rights. Important to every social justice movement though—are its allies, including enfranchised allies in power.

This is where Brooke Kroeger sought to shine a light on these background, supporting characters in Suffragents Tpb: How Women Used Men to Get the Vote. First off, I will admit that I feel the title of the book somewhat does the work a disservice. Really, Kroeger highlights the stories of men working on their own accord, not anyone being “used” (albeit, strategically) by women in any capacity. That said, seeing how supportive individuals used their privilege to speak and act on behalf of social justice is a story worth reading. Secondly, while these are not the most exciting stories, they did play a role in regards to the bigger picture, and are definitely worth reviewing if this is a topic that interests you.

Overall, this book is a solid source in terms of detailing how men assisted with the fight for the 19th Amendment, and I recommend it if this is a topic you are interested in learning more about.

[Morgan Flake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a book club. It was more interesting than I expected but I wouldn't recommend it unless you are very interested in history, women's movements, organizing, etc. I did feel like it gave me some ideas about ways that allies can support movements for oppressed groups.

[Kelly K · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ pg 46

I thought this was going to be interesting but it was like reading an extremely boring textbook.

[Tina Panik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong, well researched exploration of men’s role in passing suffrage in New York. Great content on Woodrow Wilson’s views, as well.

[Nora Swerbinsky]

This book was good for what it was but, it just didn't keep my interest enough to read it all the way through.

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story about how men helped in the woman suffrage movement.

[Mills College Library]

324.62309 K931 2017