Interactive

Why Did Women Want the Right to Vote?

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

No taxation without representation may have been the battle cry of the American Revolution, but women used the same argument when demanding their right to vote in the late 1800 and early 1900s. Young historians examine petitions from suffragists of this era, personalized with their reasons for wanting to vote. The activity includes discussion prompts that help aid the analysis of each document.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Use the activity to mark the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment 
  • Offer as a primary source-based activity for a unit on voting rights
Classroom Considerations
  • Students need a computer and Internet access or copies of the documents to complete the lesson
Pros
  • Discussion questions allow for comparison and evaluation of primary sources
  • Personalized petitions offer a unique view on women's suffrage
Cons
  • None