Why does Carrie Chapman Catt stand and allow Alice Paul to sit?

Answer 1

Carrie Chapman Catt stands while Alice Paul sits as a symbolic gesture highlighting their differing approaches to the women's suffrage movement. Catt, a leader of the more conservative National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), favored a state-by-state approach and negotiated with politicians, while Paul, representing the more radical National Woman's Party, advocated for a constitutional amendment and direct action. This scene reflects the tension between the two strategies within the movement, illustrating the diverse perspectives on how to achieve women's rights. Their contrasting methods ultimately shaped the suffrage movement's trajectory, showcasing the complexities of activism.