The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), proposed in 1923, has never been ratified. Activists seeking gender equality have sought its ratification since its first proposal but have encountered resistance along the way.

This lesson takes a closer look at one of key activists in the women’s’, workers’ and immigrants’ rights movement in the 20th century.

Students will examine documents to determine if the justice system fair and Constitutional in its treatment of the National Women’s Party picketers

Through exploring primary source materials and classroom discussion, students will gain a richer understanding of the Industrial Revolution’s impact on the evolving roles of women in 19th century America, with particular focus on New England.

Students will read the assigned biography and quotes to explore connections between activism and the power of words and ideas.

The 19th Amendment did not come without a prolonged fight. Students will examine rationale for opposing suffrage through the lens of class, immigration status and race.