Key Figures of the Women's Suffrage Movement

The fight for women's right to vote, also known as women's suffrage, was a long and challenging journey. Many brave and determined individuals dedicated their lives to this cause. Let's learn about a few of them.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902)

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a leading figure in the early women's rights movement. She was born in New York and became an abolitionist (someone who wanted to end slavery) before focusing on women's rights. In 1848, she helped organize the Seneca Falls Convention, the first women's rights convention in the United States. Here, she presented the Declaration of Sentiments, a document that listed the injustices against women and demanded equal rights, including the right to vote. She was a powerful writer and speaker, and her ideas helped shape the entire movement.

Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906)

Susan B. Anthony was another crucial leader. She met Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1851, and they became lifelong friends and partners in the fight for women's suffrage. Anthony was known for her tireless activism. She traveled across the country, giving speeches, organizing conventions, and campaigning for women's voting rights. She even voted illegally in the 1872 presidential election to prove a point, for which she was arrested and fined. Anthony's dedication helped bring national attention to the cause. The 19th Amendment, which finally granted women the right to vote, is sometimes called the "Susan B. Anthony Amendment" in her honor.

Sojourner Truth (1797-1883)

Sojourner Truth was an extraordinary orator and abolitionist who also championed women's rights. Born Isabella Baumfree into slavery in New York, she escaped to freedom and later changed her name to Sojourner Truth. She traveled widely, speaking about abolition and equality for all people, including women. Her most famous speech, "Ain't I a Woman?", delivered at a women's rights convention in 1851, highlighted the double discrimination faced by Black women. Truth's powerful words reminded people that the fight for women's rights must include all women.

Alice Paul (1885-1977)

Alice Paul was a key strategist in the final, intense push for women's suffrage. Educated in England, she learned more aggressive tactics from the British suffragettes. When she returned to the U.S., she formed the National Woman's Party. Paul organized dramatic protests, including large parades and picketing the White House during World War I. These actions, though controversial at the time, brought significant public attention and pressure to President Woodrow Wilson and Congress. Her unwavering commitment helped push the 19th Amendment through Congress and to the states for ratification.

Suffrage Banner Creation Activity

During the women's suffrage movement, activists often carried colorful and powerful banners in their parades and protests. These banners were more than just decorations; they were a way to share their message, show unity, and inspire others.

Today, you will design your own suffrage banner! Imagine you are a suffragist from the past, marching for the right to vote. What would you want your banner to say? What symbols would you use?

Your Task:

1. Slogan: Create a short, catchy slogan (a powerful phrase) that represents the message of the women's suffrage movement. Think about what the suffragists were fighting for.
   • Examples: "Votes for Women!" "Equality Now!" "Justice for All!"
     
     
     
     
     
2. Symbols: Include at least one symbol that represents the movement or its goals. Some common suffrage colors were purple (for loyalty and dignity), white (for purity), and gold (for hope). You could also use symbols like a star, a torch, or a woman's silhouette.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Design: Use construction paper, markers, crayons, and other craft materials to create your banner. Make it colorful and easy to read from a distance. Think about how to arrange your slogan and symbols so they stand out.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Explanation: Be ready to share your banner and explain:
   • What is your slogan and why did you choose it?
   • What symbols did you use and what do they represent?
   • What message do you hope your banner sends?

Materials:

• Construction paper or craft foam

• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

• Optional: Glitter, fabric scraps, ribbons, etc.

• Scissors

• Glue or tape
  
  
  ### Think about these questions as you design your banner:

• How can you make your message clear and strong?

• What colors will help your banner stand out?

• How would your banner encourage people to join the movement?