Women’s Rights


US History Life Before the Civil War Women's Rights
Students learn about the origin of the women's rights movement and the Seneca Falls Convention and how this movement led to changes to women's role in society. Then, they create a biography about one of the prominent women in the women's rights movement.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Women’s Rights:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students learn about the origin of the women’s rights movement and the Seneca Falls Convention and how this movement led to changes to women’s role in society. Then, they create a biography about one of the prominent women in the women’s rights movement.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 to scene 4. In scene 4, the small groups will prepare reports on six leaders of the women’s rights movement. To ensure that each of the leaders is covered, assign students to at least six small groups.

Note that the student pack includes an optional video of actors performing the speeches made at Susan B. Anthony’s suffrage trial. If time permits, you may project this video for the class at any point during the experience or have students watch it in their small groups.

Objectives:

  • Describe the origins of the women’s rights movement.
  • Explain the impact of the Seneca Falls Convention, including the roles of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.
  • Describe the impact of the women’s rights movement on opportunities for women.


During the early 1800s, women had few political and legal rights. Women did not have the power to make contracts, own their own property, or vote. They were expected to tend to the children and the home and to be dependent upon men.


women holding a large sign saying "No self respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party that ignores her"

Suffragettes Protest, 1872


Objectives:

  • Describe the origins of the women’s rights movement.
  • Explain the impact of the Seneca Falls Convention, including the roles of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.
  • Describe the impact of the women’s rights movement on opportunities for women.

Things began to change for women in the mid-1800s as female activists began to protest the role of women in society. Activists argued that women deserved equal pay, better job opportunities, and most importantly the right to vote.

Think about this quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”


How might this quote relate to the women’s rights movement?

Post your answer

Discuss with students some of their responses. Explain that in this experience they will be learning about a number of different women who worked tirelessly to fight for women’s rights. Beginning with just a small group of women in 1848 and continuing on even today, women have been working together to improve their rights and their place in society.


Divide students into their small groups for the next three scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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