Maud Wilde

American suffragist and social reformer

Maud Wilde (1870 – 1950) was a prominent American suffragist and social reformer known for her work in the women's rights movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She played a significant role in advocating for women's suffrage and was actively involved in various social reform initiatives.

Early Life

Maud Wilde was born in 1870 in Boston, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of a prominent lawyer and a schoolteacher, which provided her with a strong educational foundation. Wilde attended the Boston Latin School and later graduated from Radcliffe College, where she developed a keen interest in social issues and women's rights.

Activism and Suffrage Movement

Maud Wilde in 1928

Wilde's involvement in the suffrage movement began in the 1890s when she joined the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). She quickly became a leading figure in the organization, known for her eloquent speeches and effective organizing skills. Wilde worked closely with other suffragists, including Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, to promote the cause of women's voting rights.

In 1910, Wilde was instrumental in organizing the first suffrage parade in New York City, which drew thousands of participants and garnered significant media attention. Her efforts helped to raise public awareness and support for the suffrage movement.

Social Reform Initiatives

In addition to her work in the suffrage movement, Maud Wilde was actively involved in various social reform initiatives. She was a founding member of the Women's Trade Union League, where she advocated for better working conditions and fair wages for women workers. Wilde also supported the temperance movement and worked with the Women's Christian Temperance Union to promote the prohibition of alcohol.

Later Life and Legacy

Signature of Maud Wilde

After the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920, which granted women the right to vote, Wilde continued to be active in political and social causes. She served on the board of several organizations dedicated to women's rights and social justice.

Wilde passed away in 1950, leaving behind a legacy of activism and dedication to the cause of women's rights. Her contributions to the suffrage movement and social reform have been recognized and celebrated by historians and feminists alike.

Related Pages

• Women's suffrage in the United States
• National American Woman Suffrage Association
• Women's Trade Union League
• Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution

Maud Wilde in 1917