Women’s suffrage in 1918 forced candidates to court female voters through intermediaries

Evidence

The gubernatorial election of 1918 had been the first in New York State in which women were allowed to vote. Uncertain how to appeal to the new voters, Smith had felt he needed a woman active in female civic organizations who could sell him to such groups. Most of the female do-gooders around town wanted nothing to do with Smith’s campaign. But Belle volunteered eagerly. — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker, 405

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the broader story of Belle Moskowitz as the power behind Smith, a recurring thread in this book. — connects to: Women gained the right to vote in the UK in 1918 and 1928. — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 1452; The suffragettes’ actions provoked legal changes in women’s voting rights. — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 1448; Control over suffrage was the key lever of political power — Lawrence M. Friedman, A History of American Law, 651 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Women gained the right to vote in the UK in 1918 and 1928. #complicates (0.80) — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 1452
• The suffragettes’ actions provoked legal changes in women’s voting rights. #complicates (0.75) — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 1448
• Control over suffrage was the key lever of political power #expands (0.72) — Lawrence M. Friedman, A History of American Law, 651
• Female audiences responded to substantive economic campaigning #exemplifies (0.72) — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker, 410