Are you Yellow or Red? Women’s Suffrage in Tennessee

The ratification of the 19th amendment was the pinnacle of the Progressive Movement and Tennessee played a pivotal role in gaining women the right to vote in the United States. In August 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th amendment and changed American politics forever.

Weblink address (URL): 
Are you Yellow or Red? Women’s Suffrage in Tennessee
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Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

In the course of the lesson, students will, explore the ideas for and against women gaining the right to vote, identify the leaders of the women’s suffrage movement , and define Tennessee’s role in the women’s suffrage movement.

Essential and guiding questions: 
  • What were the key arguments for and against women’s suffrage?
  • Who were the key players in the fight for and against women’s suffrage?
  • What role did Tennessee plan in the suffrage effort?

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

  • TSLA Website, with particular emphasis on:
    • “Remember the Ladies!”: Women Struggle for an Equal Voice
  • Women’s Suffrage and the 19th Century primary sources at TSLA
  • Debate Organizer (Located in TeamPacket)
  • Debate Cards- Optional- May assist in keeping order during the debate. Can be printedon varying colors and cut for each student.
  • Internet Access/Computer Use for Students
  • Primary Source Analysis Sheets