Similarities Between Alice Paul And Olympe De Gouges

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Heroes to the Future
“If we withdraw our speakers from the campaign, we withdraw the issue from the campaign” (Baughman). If a hero is taken away from the fight, there is no longer a fight. Alice Paul and Olympe de Gouges were heroes that got taken out of the fight, but fought back with a vengeance. Though different in how they fought for their causes, Alice Paul and Olympe-de Gouges both demonstrated heroism by speaking out and fighting to gain women’s suffrage.
The heroism of Alice Paul and Olympe de Gouges is shown through their radical actions and commitment to their cause. Gouges wrote many pieces of influential literature that expressed her thoughts towards the government’s position on women’s suffrage at the time. In 1791, she published …show more content…

They fought for the same causes - suffrage and human rights. “For half the population, voting marked a crucial step toward equality” (Baker). They both fought to protect the basic rights of women and minorities and knew that this step could only lead to more progress for suffrage and equal rights. They both, also, had a government against them. “The prosecutor drew up formal accusations and de Gouge was held for trial. She was found guilty and condemned to death according to article one of the new constitution” (“Marie-Olympe de Gouges”). Olympe was arrested for criticizing the “New Government” and fighting for an unpopular cause. She paid the ultimate price, and could only hope her actions would inspire others to step up and become heroes, like herself. Alice Paul, the radical reformer that she was, also went to jail for her cause. She made a statement that, since she was not considered a part of lawmaking, she was not subject to it (Baughman). Although this statement may seem ridiculous, it made an impact on politicians, who got scared of a revolt and started making progress. Alice Paul and Olympe de Gouges opposed what was considered “normal” and fought for what they believed in; because of this, they were punished and Olympe de Gouges even lost her life, which inspired others, like Alice Paul, to be ambitious and fight for what they believe in, not just what is …show more content…

In the 1960’s and 70’s, historians evaluated and it was realized that change happens by “ordinary citizens compelling national debates about America's founding principles… Alice Paul gained increasing attention as a commanding figure who reshaped the suffrage landscape and spurred victory” (Zahniser). Alice’s accomplishments were looked over later and it was recognized that this ordinary citizen had changed the entire feminist and suffrage movement. She impacted half of the population by achieving women’s suffrage and moving on to helping others by writing the Equal Rights Amendment and starting the NWP (“Suffragette City”). Olympe de Gouges was also looked over in her time, only thought to be a minor play write, but upon later research, it was realized that she paved the way for suffrage in modern day France (Hesse). “Gouges's Declaration of the Rights of Woman received little attention upon its initial publication in 1791... It is only since the 1970s, with the renewal of the feminist movement in France, that Gouges has begun to receive scholarly and public recognition as one of the political founders of modern France” (Hesse). A true hero leaves an impact on the future, even if it is not recognized at the time. Alice Paul and Olympe de Gouges definitely impacted many people’s lives and helped pave the way for feminism, suffrage and minorities’

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