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Why did the NWP campaign focus attention on President Woodrow Wilson?

User Rsnickell
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Final answer:

The NWP campaign targeted President Woodrow Wilson because as the incumbent and a vulnerable candidate in the 1916 election, he was under pressure to court different constituencies, including those advocating for Progressive reforms such as women's suffrage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The NWP campaign focus on President Woodrow Wilson was strategic during the period leading up to the 1916 election. As Wilson had won the 1912 election with a minority due to the split in the Republican Party, he was considered vulnerable during his reelection campaign. Wilson's campaign strategy revolved around maintaining neutrality in World War I, which swayed public opinion, and he made a concerted effort to pass Progressive reforms to win over voters. The NWP (National Women's Party) targeted Wilson because as the sitting president, he represented the most visible and influential political figure who could affect change on national women's suffrage and other reforms. By drawing attention to him, the NWP hoped to put pressure on Wilson to endorse women's suffrage and other Progressive causes.

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