Challenges and Triumphs of the North Carolina Woman Suffrage Movement, 1894-1920

Abstract

This thesis describes the early development of the Suffrage Movement in North Carolina and the political and social challenges addressed throughout the movement's history. It describes the leadership within both the suffragist and the antisuffragist groups in the state. Also addressed are the roles of gender, race, and politics in suffrage and antisuffrage literature. Special attention will be given to the important role of the state's industrialists in opposing woman suffrage, and their motivation for doing so. Research includes the use of both suffrage and antisuffrage records and publications, as well as numerous newspaper articles, editorials, and letters to gauge contemporary public opinion.