Women’s Suffrage

Women’s Suffrage

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The Fight for Equality Begins

• In the 1800s, women in the U.S. had no right to vote, own property after marriage, or hold most public offices.

• Many women began to question why they didn’t have the same rights as men.

• The fight for voting rights—called suffrage—became a major social movement.

The Roots of the Movement

• The suffrage movement grew out of the abolitionist (aimed to end slavery) and temperance movements (sought to reduce or ban alcohol consumptionand)

• 1848 Seneca Falls Convention: the first women’s rights meeting in the U.S.

• Leaders like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott wrote the Declaration of Sentiments, stating “all men and women are created equal.”

Two Paths to Change — NWSA vs. AWSA

National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA)

• Founded by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1869.
• Wanted a national constitutional amendment for women’s voting rights.

• Focused on broader women’s rights, not just voting.

American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA)

• Founded by Lucy Stone and Henry Blackwell in 1869.

• Worked state by state for voting rights.

• Took a more moderate and cooperative approach.

Protest, Persuasion, and Persistence

• Suffragists organized marches, parades, speeches, and petitions.

• Some practiced civil disobedience, refusing to pay taxes or obey unfair laws.

• Others, like Alice Paul, went to jail and even held hunger strikes.

• Posters, newspapers, and rallies spread their message across the country.

Protest, Persuasion, and Persistence

• After decades of activism, change began to happen:

1917: Women protest at the White House. 1918: House of Representatives passes the suffrage amendment. 1920: The 19th Amendment is ratified, guaranteeing women the right to vote!

Fun fact: Tennessee’s vote made the difference! One young lawmaker changed his mind after a note from his mom!

Activity

1917

Starting in June police began arresting the suffragists on the charge of "obstructing sidewalk traffic". - 500 women were arrested - 168 served jail time After demanding to be treated as political prisoners, many suffragists went on hunger strikes. - force-fed by prison officials On November 14, 1917, guards at the Occoquan Workhouse brutally beat and tortured the suffragists in an event that became known as the "Night of Terror". News of the inhumane treatment of the women drew widespread public outrage and sympathy for the suffragists' cause. This shift in public sentiment helped force President Wilson to publicly announce his support for women's suffrage in January 1918.

Silent Sentinels outside the White House- More than 2,000 women - Six days a week - They did not speak, using their silent presence as a form of protest. The picketing aimed to pressure President Woodrow Wilson Initially tolerated, the picketers were later seen as unpatriotic

Activity

Lets Create a Placard

Step back in time and become part of the women’s suffrage movement! In this activity, you’ll design your own protest placard inspired by the slogans, art, and determination of real suffragists. Step 1: Create a Slogan Think about what message you want to send to the world. Your slogan should be short, powerful, and persuasive, something that could be seen from across a crowded march! Examples: “Votes for Women!” “Equality for All!” “Democracy Begins with Her!” Step 2: Design Your Placard Use paper, markers, or digital tools to create your poster. Include your slogan, bold colors, and imagery that represents strength, hope, and unity. Try to make it look like something you could proudly carry in a suffrage parade!

Activity pt 2

Whats The Matter?

What’s something in your world or your community that you want to change? In this activity, you’ll design your own protest placard to raise awareness and inspire action for a cause you care about. Step 1: Create a Slogan Think of a short, powerful message that captures your cause. It should make people stop and think, just like real protest slogans do! Examples: “Focus on the Present” “Clean Earth, Bright Future” “Kindness Is Power” Step 2: Design Your Placard Use paper, markers, or tools to bring your slogan to life. Make it bold and eye-catching. add color, symbols, or images that show what you stand for. Imagine holding it proudly at a rally for your cause!