Short writing assignment

Write a 3-5 page paper on one of the following questions, drawing on relevant readings from the class.

  • Though women finally achieved national suffrage in 1919, the 1920s were in many ways a disheartening decade for progressive women reformers. Why? Why were women’s rights advocates and reformers not more successful in realizing their goals and social vision after gaining the vote?
  • In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the majority of women who sought greater political power or influence did so on the grounds of difference rather sameness. In other words, rather than claiming that women should be empowered despite their sex, they are argued women should be empowered because of their sex. What were some of the strengths and/or limitations of this political approach?

Note: You do not need a separate citation page; just use short citations like: (Jacobs, 28).