By James J. Devine
On November 14, 1917, a harrowing chapter in the American suffrage movement unfolded, known as the “Night of Terror,” which marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for women’s right to vote.
The episode left an indelible mark on the nation during a grim chapter in history when the 28th president—a man demonized for his racist thinking, grasp at unbounded executive authority, and dangerous policies—championed progressive reform at home and liberal internationalism abroad.
That president took the United States into a war he pledged to stay out of, unleashed the Palmer raids squelching political criticism, and engaged in historical revision concerning treasonous, pro-slavery losers after the Civil War.
The events that took place in the District of Columbia are a stain on our history as well as a testament to the determination of the women who endured them. Their triumph over adversity is a beacon of hope that should inspire those in today’s ongoing struggles for equality and reproductive rights.
The suffragists who had been part of the Silent Sentinels, a group of women organized by Alice Paul and the National Woman’s Party (NWP), had spent months picketing outside the White House, demanding that President Woodrow Wilson and Congress support the 19th Amendment, which would grant women the right to vote.
These women, known for their peaceful and persistent demonstrations, stood in silence, holding banners with slogans like “Mr. President, How Long Must Women Wait for Liberty?”
Their goal was not only to draw attention to the cause of suffrage but to pressure the government into action through peaceful civil disobedience.
By the fall of 1917, when their protests had gained considerable public attention, their nonviolent approach did not shield them from brutality.
On this fateful night 108 years ago, after a series of escalating arrests, 33 suffragists were violently detained by police. These women, some of whom had been fasting in protest, were taken to the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia, where they were subjected to appalling conditions.
The women were beaten, thrown into solitary confinement, and denied basic necessities such as food, medical care, and warmth. Many suffered physical harm, while others endured psychological torment.
The night’s events, which became widely known as the “Night of Terror,” galvanized public opinion and generated significant support for the suffrage movement.
Less than three years later, in 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote.
The legacy of the Silent Sentinels’ bravery and the hardships they endured serves as an enduring symbol of resistance in the face of injustice.
It also offers important lessons for modern-day movements, particularly those advocating for the restoration of reproductive rights and the recognition of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
In recent years, these issues have come to the forefront once again, particularly in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide.
For many women, the erosion of reproductive rights marks a significant step backward in the fight for gender equality.
The inability to make decisions about one’s own body, including the right to access abortion, has been framed by many activists as a direct assault on personal freedom and autonomy.
While the requisite 38 states ratified the Equal Rights Amendment, it has not been recognized by the federal government, which could have enshrined fundamental human rights in the U.S. Constitution if only President Joe Biden cared to take action.
The historical parallels between the Silent Sentinels and today’s feminist movements are undeniable.
Just as the suffragists of the early 20th century faced violent repression for their nonviolent protest, women today who advocate for reproductive rights and gender equality often encounter fierce opposition.
The struggle for bodily autonomy is, in many ways, a continuation of the battle for suffrage, as both are fights for equal rights and freedom of choice.
Of course, laws banning abortion are a severe threat to women’s lives, as evidenced by those who died bleeding out after hospitals declined to treat miscarriages or botched attempts at termination of pregnancy.
Despite the progress made over the past century, women in the United States are increasingly mobilizing in response to perceived threats to their rights and opportunities.
While the conditions faced by women in countries like Iran and Afghanistan, where women’s rights are severely restricted, are undoubtedly more extreme, the erosion of rights in the U.S. has created a sense of urgency among activists.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who between them have at least 17 children with six different women, are imposing on citizens a puritanical standard of family values. These billionaires are trading our freedom in exchange for political support from religious extremists, who are aptly described as the American Taliban.
Women across the country, particularly in the wake of the Roe v. Wade decision, have taken to the streets, organized petitions, and lobbied lawmakers to restore abortion access and ensure that the protections granted by the ERA are finally enshrined in law.
The actions of the Silent Sentinels—who were willing to risk imprisonment, violence, and public humiliation for their cause—continue to inspire modern-day activists who are committed to securing and expanding women’s rights.
Just as their protests helped shift public opinion on suffrage, today’s advocates for reproductive rights and gender equality are working to change the conversation and demand meaningful legislative action.
The resilience demonstrated by these women, and the sacrifices they made for a cause larger than themselves, remains a beacon of hope for those fighting for justice today.
As the struggle for reproductive rights and equal gender protections continues, the example set by the suffragists of the early 20th century offers both a cautionary tale and a call to action.
The “Night of Terror” reminds us that progress is never guaranteed and that America’s fight for freedom and equality requires vigilance, solidarity, and sometimes, the willingness to endure hardship in the face of oppression.
Just as women in the past were undeterred by violence and intimidation, so too are women today standing firm in their commitment to securing their rights and advancing the cause of gender equality.
The legacy of the Silent Sentinels lives on in their courage and in the ongoing efforts of those who continue to fight for a more just and equal future.
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