The Suffragist Educators' Guide for the Classroom Videos

Grade Range: 5-12
Resource Type(s): Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities
Date Posted: 3/15/2018

Through a set of three classroom videos, examine the actions taken by suffragists in 1917 as they fought to win the right to vote. Students will meet Rebecca, a historical character from Takoma Park, Maryland, who is grappling with the decision of whether, and if so how, she will join the movement. Using primary source analysis and class discussions, students will assess the suffragists’ arguments and strategies, and investigate the guiding question: What did it take for women to win the vote? 

This educators’ guide contains critical thinking questions, discussion prompts, and links to a collection of primary sources at Smithsonian’s Learning Lab. These resources guide students to explore how the suffragists used the First Amendment freedoms provided for citizens within the Constitution to take action, affect change, and reshape their democracy. 


National Standards

United States History Standards (Grades 5-12)

Historical Thinking Standards (Grades 5-12)

Common Core State Standards (Grades K-12)

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards (Grades 6-8)

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards (Grades 9-12)