1. Women’s Suffrage Presentation created by Robert L. Martinez
Primary Content Source: The Story of US by Joy Hakim

2. It is 1917, and some women are marching in front of the White House
It is 1917, and some women are marching in front of the White House. They carry a big banner that says “20 Million American Women are Not Self-Governed.”

4. In Europe, American soldiers are fighting for democracy during WWI, these women felt they were fighting for democracy at home.

5. Day after day, for months, the women marched in front of the White House. They were peaceful, but persistent in their cause.

6. Some Americans do not appreciate that these women suffragists were protesting the president while the country was at war.

8. The police arrested many of the protesters
The police arrested many of the protesters. The women are taken to court and fined. They refused to pay their fines, to do so would mean to admit they are guilty of a crime.

9. So, the police take them to prison. More women are arrested
So, the police take them to prison. More women are arrested. More women go to jail. They are separated from each other. Prison conditions are awful.

11. Suffragists are given nothing to eat but bread and water
Suffragists are given nothing to eat but bread and water. Some women are held in solitary confinement.

12. Some, who go on hunger strikes, are held down and fed against their will.

13. President Woodrow Wilson has other concerns
President Woodrow Wilson has other concerns. He is fighting a war in Europe. Wilson says he’s not against women’s suffrage, but, he thinks that other issues are more important at the time.

14. In the meantime, more women keep marching. All kinds of women
In the meantime, more women keep marching. All kinds of women. Rich and poor. Could it be that they understand democracy in a way the president doesn’t?

16. Mrs. Rogers, Jr. , is arrested
Mrs. Rogers, Jr., is arrested. She is a descendant of Roger Sherman (a signer of the Declaration of Independence.) Like her founding father ancestor, Mrs. Roger says what she thinks…She tells the judge…

17. “We are not guilty of any offense…we know full well that we stand here because the president of the United States refuses to give liberty to American women…”

18. “We believe, your honor, that the wrong persons are before the bar in this court….We believe the president is the guilty one and that we are innocent.”
- Mrs. Rogers, Jr.

20. Now, isn’t that what America and Freedom of Speech is all about
Now, isn’t that what America and Freedom of Speech is all about? The right of every citizen to speak out, even against the president.

22. Unfortunately, it is Congress that is holding things up, not Woodrow Wilson. But the president hasn’t helped. Finally, due to persistent pressure, he gives in.

23. President Wilson urges Congress to pass the 19th Amendment
President Wilson urges Congress to pass the 19th Amendment. It is known as the Susan B. Anthony amendment.
Susan B. Anthony

24. 19th Amendment
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.