With Courage and Cloth

With Courage and Cloth chronicles the American women's suffrage movement, focusing on the final decade of the fight for women's voting rights from 1910-1920. The book centers on Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and other activists who pursued more aggressive protest tactics in Washington D.C. The narrative tracks the rise of public demonstrations, including the first major suffrage parade in 1913 and the sustained picketing of the White House starting in 1917. Period photographs and primary source materials document the protestors' experiences, from peaceful demonstrations to arrests and forced feedings in prison. Through extensive research and historical documentation, Bausum presents the complex political and social forces that shaped this pivotal period in women's rights history. The book examines both the internal dynamics of the suffrage movement and its relationship to broader events like World War I and changing public attitudes about protest and democracy.

Readers note this book provides clear documentation of the women's suffrage movement through photographs and first-hand accounts. Teachers and librarians report it works well for middle/high school history lessons. Readers appreciate: - Historical photos and visual elements - Coverage of lesser-known suffragists beyond Susan B. Anthony - Details about protest tactics and imprisonment - Age-appropriate handling of violence against protesters Common criticisms: - Text can be dry at times - Some sections feel repetitive - Limited coverage of suffragists of color Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (108 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (12 ratings) A teacher on Goodreads wrote: "The photos make the history come alive for students who struggle to connect with the time period." A parent reviewer noted: "Helped my daughter understand that voting rights weren't just handed over - women had to fight for them."

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🗣️ Author Ann Bausum conducted extensive research at the Sewall-Belmont House, home to the historic National Woman's Party, where she examined original protest banners and other artifacts from the suffrage movement. 🏛️ The "Silent Sentinels" who picketed the White House were the first group to ever protest there, establishing a precedent for peaceful demonstrations that continues today. ⚔️ During World War I, some protesters used President Wilson's own democratic wartime speeches against him, carrying banners that highlighted the irony of fighting for democracy abroad while denying women the right to vote at home. 👗 The purple, white, and gold color scheme used by the suffragists was carefully chosen: purple for loyalty and dignity, white for purity, and gold for light and life. 📸 The book features many rare photographs from the suffrage movement, including images of women being arrested and force-fed in prison, which helped sway public opinion in favor of women's voting rights.