The Woman's Hour
Soon to Be a Major Television Event. The nail-biting climax of one of the greatest political battles in American history: the ratification of the constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote. "With a skill reminiscent of Robert Caro, [Weiss] turns the potentially dry stuff of legislative give-and-take into a drama of courage and cowardice."--The Wall Street Journal. "Weiss is a clear and genial guide with an ear for telling language ... She also shows a superb sense of detail, and it's the deliciousness of her details that suggests certain individuals warrant entire novels of their own... Weiss's thoroughness is one of the book's great strengths. So vividly had she depicted events that by the climactic vote (spoiler alert: The amendment was ratified!), I got goose bumps."--Curtis Sittenfeld, The New York Times Book Review. Nashville, August 1920. Thirty-five states have ratified the Nineteenth Amendment, twelve have rejected or refused to vote, and one last state is needed. It all comes down to Tennessee, the moment of truth for the suffragists, after a seven-decade crusade. The opposing forces include politicians with careers at stake, liquor companies, railroad magnates, and a lot of racists who don't want black women voting. And then there are the "Antis"--women who oppose their own enfranchisement, fearing suffrage will bring about the moral collapse of the nation. They all converge in a boiling hot summer for a vicious face-off replete with dirty tricks, betrayals and bribes, bigotry, Jack Daniel's, and the Bible. Following a handful of remarkable women who led their respective forces into battle, along with appearances by Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Frederick Douglass, and Eleanor Roosevelt, The Woman's Hour is an inspiring story of activists winning their own freedom in one of the last campaigns forged in the shadow of the Civil War, and the beginning of the great twentieth-century battles for civil rights.
Reclaiming a Lost Hour
Elaine Weiss's "The Woman's Hour" is a captivating and meticulously researched account of the final battle for women's suffrage in the United States. Focusing on the pivotal year of 1920 and the state of Tennessee, where the fate of the 19th Amendment hung in the balance, Weiss vividly recreates the political drama and relentless activism that ultimately led to women securing the right to vote.
A Critical Juncture in History:
"The Woman's Hour" transcends a simple historical narrative. Weiss masterfully transports readers to the heart of the suffrage movement, capturing the urgency, tension, and sheer determination that fueled the fight for equality. By focusing on Tennessee, a traditionally conservative state where the outcome was far from certain, Weiss heightens the suspense and underscores the significance of each individual vote.
Beyond the Suffrage Leaders:
While key figures like Carrie Catt and Alice Paul receive their due attention, Weiss also shines a light on the countless lesser-known women who played crucial roles in the movement. From grassroots organizers and passionate local leaders to ordinary housewives who defied societal expectations, the book gives voice to the collective effort that ultimately led to victory.
An Unflinching Look at Opposition:
Weiss doesn't shy away from depicting the fierce opposition the suffrage movement faced. She delves into the tactics of the "Antis," who employed propaganda, intimidation, and even bribery in their attempts to derail the ratification process. This balanced perspective allows for a deeper understanding of the complex social and political landscape of the time.
Beyond the Vote: A Legacy of Activism:
"The Woman's Hour" reminds us that the fight for suffrage was not merely about the right to vote, but about challenging deeply ingrained societal norms and paving the way for broader social change. The book's relevance extends beyond history, inspiring readers to continue advocating for equality and justice in the face of contemporary challenges.
Strengths:
- Vivid historical narrative: Weiss's captivating writing style draws readers into the heart of the suffrage movement.
- Compelling characters: The book features both well-known figures and lesser-known individuals, offering a multifaceted perspective on the fight for equality.
- Balanced perspective: Weiss acknowledges both the triumphs and challenges of the suffrage movement, offering a nuanced understanding of the historical context.
- Enduring relevance: The book's message of fighting for equality resonates deeply with contemporary audiences facing similar challenges.
Weaknesses:
- Limited scope: While focusing on Tennessee provides a specific lens, it may not fully encompass the broader national movement.
- Potential for emotional manipulation: The book's focus on individual stories and the movement's struggles may evoke strong emotional responses, potentially overshadowing some historical details.
Overall Impression:
"The Woman's Hour" is a powerful and engaging historical work that brings the fight for women's suffrage to life. Weiss's meticulous research, compelling narrative, and unwavering respect for the individuals involved make this a valuable contribution to understanding this pivotal moment in American history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and collective action in the face of adversity, inspiring readers to continue the pursuit of equality and justice in all its forms.
Recommendation:
Highly recommended for anyone interested in women's history, the suffrage movement, and historical narratives that offer insights into contemporary issues. This book is a valuable resource for students, educators, and general readers alike.
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Elaine Weiss, Author 
A Versatile Voice in Journalism and Education Policy
Elaine Weiss is a distinguished journalist and author, recognized for her insightful feature writing that has earned prizes from the Society of Professional Journalists. Her by-line has graced numerous national publications, showcasing her expertise in capturing compelling narratives.
As a MacDowell Colony Fellow and Pushcart Prize "Editor’s Choice" honoree, Weiss's literary contributions extend beyond journalism. Her highly-acclaimed narrative history, The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote (Viking/Penguin), has been hailed as a riveting political thriller, drawing powerful parallels to contemporary political landscapes. This work not only won the GoodReads Readers’ Choice Award but was also short-listed for the 2019 Chautauqua Prize and received the prestigious 2019 Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association.
Weiss's exploration of historical narratives is not confined to a single period. Her previous book, Fruits of Victory: The Woman’s Land Army in the Great War, delves into the impact of the Woman’s Land Army during World War I. The book was featured in Smithsonian Magazine, gaining visibility on C-Span and public radio stations nationwide.
A graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Elaine Weiss is not only a skilled writer but also a sought-after public speaker and media commentator. She shares her insights on women’s political organization and modern voting rights through op-eds in The New York Times and interviews on NPR’s All Things Considered, CBS Sunday Morning, and PBS American Experience.
Beyond her contributions to journalism and historical narratives, Weiss is an EPI research associate and the former National Coordinator of the Broader, Bolder Approach to Education (BBA). BBA, a national education policy campaign by the Economic Policy Institute, aimed to address the impacts of poverty-related impediments on effective teaching and learning. Weiss's extensive work includes in-depth case studies of diverse communities employing integrated student supports for whole-child education systems. Her collaborative effort with Paul Reville resulted in the book Broader, Bolder, Better: How Schools and Communities Help Students Overcome the Disadvantages of Poverty (Harvard Education Press, June 2019).
Elaine Weiss's research interests encompass early childhood education, community engagement in school improvement, and education policies promoting racial and social justice. With her diverse contributions spanning journalism, historical narratives, and education policy, Weiss continues to be a versatile and influential voice in shaping discussions around critical societal issues. Notably, Steven Spielberg’s Amblin production company is adapting The Woman’s Hour for the screen, with Hillary Rodham Clinton serving as Executive Producer, further cementing Weiss's impact on public discourse.
It has done my heart good in this period of despair to be reminded of these brave, beautiful and thoughtful women. Carrie Catt, twice President of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, whose political awakening came at the tender age of thirteen when she came face to face with the galling reality that women were prohibited from voting, devoted the rest of her life to changing this injustice. The book recounts the thrilling story of the fight to get Tennesse to become the needed 36th State to ratify the 19th Amendment to the American Constitution. It inform, enrages, amuses and thrills at every turn. I can only imagine the suppressed feelings of outrage the women felt at having to rely on the goodwill of men, many of whom proved duplicitious, to attain what ought to have been an inalienable right from the outset. Weiss's description of the political machinations of the men and women involved in trying to deprive women of their just rights is priceless and a judicious lesson for those women recently elected to the House of Representatives if they can only fond time to read it. Catt and her colleagues were miraculously helped in their noble quest by a healthy donation from an unexpected and deliciously satisfying source. The shameful attempts by some to ignore the rights of black women is ably recounted by Weiss, an issue that resonates down to the present day. Elaine Weiss has done us all a favour in thoroughly researching her subject, in the electrifying manner in which she has recounted this history, and in bringing home to at least this reader the enormous gratitude we owe these women who worked so tirelessly and courageously and who in spite of the forces who worked against thme fought and won the good fight with style and humour. In the current climate we need to be reminded and if this book doesn't galvanise women to continue the fight to ensure that we are properly represented in the decision making process of our societies then I have to wonder what will? Best and most uplifting book I have read on the subject of women in ages.
In 1848, Seneca Falls, NY hosted the First Women's Rights Convention. Based on the Declaration of Independence, the attendees drafted 8 sentiments of equal rights that women desired. It was a man, Frederick Douglass, who urged the Convention to add a 9th sentiment: the right to vote. Douglass asserted that true citizenship could not be attained without the right to the ballot. With this, the Suffragette movement in the USA was born.
The Susan B. Anthony Amendment (#19) passed by one vote in both houses of Congress in 1919. Within a year, a two-thirds majority of the existing states needed to ratify the Amendment i.e. 36 states. By June of 1920, 9 states rejected the Amendment, 3 states refused to even consider ratification, and 35 states ratified the Amendment. (The reader will be amazed at which states voted no.) The fate of women's suffrage was left to ratification in the Tennessee legislature. The author introduces fascinating details about the many players in this drama: Tennessee politicians, Republican and Democrat, a sitting President and candidates running in the 1920 Presidential election, Anti-Suffragettes and Suffragettes. (What a shock to learn that both Eleanor Roosevelt and Edith Wilson were on the side of the Anti's!) Many of the Suffragettes had earned their political chops as Abolishionists. They were fighting for the vote for all women regardless of race. Anti's raised the alarm about the dissipation of state's rights and the polluting nature of politics on motherhood and southern family life. They preached to the prejudice against Negro women having the vote. Tensions mounted in the Tennessee summer heat, as both sides exhorted to lies, influence peddling and bribery. By whom and how were legislators in both Tennessee houses influenced? The vote was a cliff hanger!
Ten million women voted for the first time on November 2,1920, but two states denied black women the right to vote. From Boston to Orlando, barriers were created to prevent black women from voting and some blacks, men and women, were killed in their attempts to vote. In Chapter 23, entitled Election Day, Weiss chronicles the delayed suffrage for other minorities in America. She highlights the current political efforts to disenfranchise blocs of US citizens. The battle for the ballot, begun so long ago, rages on.
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