Senaca Falls Convention
From: Zinn Education Project
Grade Level: HS, (College)
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: 2-3 class periods
Length of Reading: Chapter
Link: Seneca Falls, 1848: Women Organize for Equality
Students read chapter 6 from A People's History of the United States, by Howard Zinn (available online). Discussion questions are provided.
Then students are divided into 5 groups. Each group is assigned an identity: white middle and upper-class reformers, mill workers in New England, Cherokee women in Oklahoma, Mexican women in New Mexico, and African American women who are enslaved. There is a one page description of each group. Students write resolutions from the perspective of the group they represent using the provided instructions. Next "traveling negotiators" from each group cycle through the other groups, attempting to build consensus on resolutions. Top resolutions are brought to the floor for group discussion.
Finally, students discuss the actual resolutions at the Seneca Falls Convention. Students put each actual resolution into their own words. And students critique the actual declaration from the perspective of their assigned group.
More Information:
Grade Level:
HS, (College): This lesson is meant for high school students; however we think it would be well suited for college students too
This Activity Involves:
Primary Source: This activity utilizes primary sources.
Group Work: This activity calls for working in pairs or groups or having a group discussion.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Source: Library of Congress.
