Unit VIII: "Waves of Reform" ca 1880s to 1921

Question/Problem 1: What were the political, economic, and social reforms that shaped America?

Directions: Read the following excerpt to get an idea of the problem addressed by the reform movement.

In 1872 Susan B. Anthony was found guilty of illegally going to the polls and voting:

Her trial was 'fixed' from beginning to end. She was not allowed to testify in her own behalf. The jury was not allowed to retire to consider the verdict, was simply instructed to pronounce her there and then 'guilty....'

But Miss Anthony made a victory of defeat. When the judge, after sentencing her, asked her if she had anything to say, she said yes she had. 'Your denial of my citizens' right to vote is the denial of my right of consent as one of the governed,' she said, 'the denial of my right of representation as one of the taxed,... the denial of my sacred right of life, liberty, property .... A commoner in England, tried before a jury of lords, would have had far less cause to complain than I, a woman, tried before a jury of men.'

When the penalty was announced ($100 fine and the cost of the prosecution), Susan said very quietly: 'May it please your Honor, I shall never pay a dollar of your unjust penalty....'

From Hope Stoddard, Famous American Women (New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, 1970), p. 43.

Part I: In your own words, describe the problem being addressed by this excerpt.

Part II: Research the following terms and individuals to learn more about the specific people and actions involved with this reform.

	National American Women's Suffrage Association	Lucy Stone
	Nineteenth Amendment	Alice Paul