Throughout American history, women have faced significant barriers in their fight for equality, from suffrage struggles to the ongoing quest for workplace and social rights. Despite these challenges, countless women have demonstrated extraordinary bravery, organizing protests, advocating for change, and breaking societal norms to demand their freedoms. Despite history’s focus on certain outstanding individuals like Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, or Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the movement for women’s universal freedom was fought by countless females and their allies who never made the headlines and history books. Everyday women, like those who made up the suffrage movement, risked personal safety, reputation, and comfort to pave the way for future generations. Their collective courage in confronting systemic inequities has been instrumental in expanding freedoms for women across the nation, proving that true freedom often requires acts of profound bravery.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Can freedom come without collective bravery? (Women's Suffrage)
Standards
D2.His.12.6-8. Use questions generated about multiple historical sources to identify further areas of inquiry and additional sources.
Instructional Snapshot
Before class, print and attach Sources A-E to butcher paper and tape them up around the classroom, in stations or gallery walk format. Begin class by reminding–or revealing to–students that lessons in this inquiry stack consider the question: “Can universal freedom come without collective bravery?” Screen Source F, the “Shall Not Be Denied” video, and afterward ask students to consider how the video characterizes the suffrage movement. Who is included in that history? The leaders? Or everyone else? (5-10 minutes)
Split students into five groups and assign them to each of the sources posted around the room. Taking four minutes at each station, ask students to examine the information and add any thoughts, emotions, and questions they have about them. When they finish, ask students to share their reactions to the collection of sources. (25 minutes)
Finally, students will refer back to Source F and, in the same groups, draft and film a 20 to 30-second additional clip that features at least one episode of collective bravery. If time permits, screen clips and discuss what they add to the story of women’s suffrage. (15-20 minutes)
Formative Tasks
DELIBERATE: Consider how the “Shall Not Be Denied” video characterizes the women’s suffrage movement and discuss what might be missing, based on the theme of collective bravery.
COLLABORATE: Create word webs with emotions, thoughts, and questions about each of the infographics in the station's activity.
PRODUCE: Write and record an additional video clip that could be added to the “Shall Not Be Denied” video to include information about at least one act of collective bravery.
Sources
Women's Suffrage Source Set, Library of Congress
Summative Performance Task
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Taking Informed Action
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