Women Suffragists: Leading the Way
An Internet WebQuest on Day 1

created by Mrs. Manship

Introduction | The Task | The Process | Conclusion |


Introduction
“A leader, once convinced a particular course of action is the right one, must have the determination to stick with it and be undaunted when the going gets rough.”
Ronald Reagan, 1990

Throughout the history of the United States, many men and women have made personal sacrifices in order to uphold and defend democratic principles. It takes courage to persevere in the face of danger or adversity to defend what one believes to be morally right or beneficial to society.
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The United States House of Representatives is considering creating a new coin to recognize a woman who has made significant contributions leading to the women’s right to vote. The first time they did this, they chose to honor Susan B. Anthony. Former President Jimmy Carter stated Susan B. Anthony “exemplifies the ideals for which our country stands.”
Now, they are interested in a new look and a new face to represent American ideals. You will make a formal presentation at a House of Representatives committee meeting in which you try to persuade the members to adopt your proposal of a coin recognizing another woman who “exemplifies the ideals for which our country stands” and was able to lead the nation towards accepting equality.

Task
You and your group members will research a notable American woman and then collaboratively create a 2-5 minute presentation to the class. This presentation will highlight the most important aspects of the woman’s life with respect to her achievements in the struggle for woman’s suffrage. It will also include an evaluation of her leadership style contributing to her success. All group members must be included in the presentation, and you must have a visual to accompany your prepared speech.

Process
Begin your research by reading the selected material in the section titled 'Background Information'. Then, go to the materials selected for your assigned person. Each topic has a separate set of websites and focus questions.

BIG QUESTIONS
The following questions apply to all topics and should be answered by everyone.
What character traits does this women have which you believe helped her to be successful?
How did she help to change public opinion after the Seneca Falls Convention?
How did her efforts characterize American values?

Phase 1 - Background Information
Explore the following sites to gain an overview of the struggle for women's suffrage.
Complete background information.
1.Read overview selections.
2.Review timelines of the main events in the women’s suffrage movement.
3.Click on the Susan B. Anthony coin link to learn more about the coin and its promotion.

Review the specific requirements for creating a visual and a class presentation.
Then, move on to your specific assignment.


Phase 2 - Roles
INSTRUCTIONS:

Research your assigned woman. Use the links below to access information on the internet.
1. Take notes.
2. Answer focus questions.
3. Complete the APPARTS chart for primary source readings. (Author, Place and time, Prior Knowledge, Audience, Related Questions, The main ideas, Significance)
4. Select and record at least 2 quotes from the readings that best represent the woman’s character traits, ideals and leadership strengths.
5. Be sure to refer to the Big Questions and be prepared to answer them as part of your presentation.

Sojourner Truth:

1. How do you think her status as a former slave and her manner of speech affected public perception? In your opinion, did it strengthen or weaken her argument?

Elizabeth Cady Stanton:

1. Summarize the reasons why Stanton thinks women should vote.

2. How did she give hope to American women seeking equality?

Lucretia Mott:

1. What does she mean when she states “We need not admit inferiority, even tho’ we may not be able to prove equality.”

2. What examples does she give that support her belief that women are equal to men?

Lucy Stone:

1. Do you agree with Lucy Stone that once women gained the right to an education and to free speech, “every other good thing was sure to be obtained”? Support your position.

Carrie Chapman Catt:

1. What was her self-termed “winning plan”?

2. Read “Do You Know?” Pay particular attention to page 8. What do you think she means by stating that women votes increase the moral vote? How does that relate to the statement on page 9 about “public housekeeping”?

Alice Paul:

1. How did her tactics differ from other suffragists? (Why was she referred to as militant?)

2. Put yourself in her shoes when she was being force fed in prison. Would ou have been willing to suffer that much for a cause?


Phase 3 - Reaching Consensus
1. Once you have collected and recorded all of your information, you will meet with your group members and compare information to make sure you all have the same facts.
2. Plan your presentation. The presentation must be 2-5 minutes long, you must have a visual such as a poster or tri-fold, and all members must participate. Refer to the presentation rubric for specific grading criteria.
3. Make a handout for the class with a bulleted list of the most significant accomplishments of your assigned woman.
4. Rehearse your presentation before speaking in front of the class.
5. Consult the grading rubric again to make sure you have planned the best possible presentation.

Conclusion
After completing this WebQuest and actively listening to the group presentations, you will better understand the significance of individual women suffragists within the larger context of the struggle for gender equality. You should also be able to make connections to prejudice and discrimination in the United States at other times in history and today.

Class discussion and final assessment questions:

1. What character traits do these women have in common which you believe helped them to be successful?
2. How did women suffragists help to change public opinion after the Seneca Falls Convention?
3. How did the efforts of each individual studied characterize American values?
4. What did this assignment reveal about American attitudes towards women?
5. How did this struggle for equality foreshadow future struggles in the U.S.?
6. How do social forces affect behavior?
7. Can a government legislate perception and public opinion?
created by Filamentality Content by Mrs. Manship, emanship@aps1.net
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/webday1em.html
Last revised Tue Apr 14 7:44:39 US/Pacific 2009