History Question

Overview

Early 20th Century Women’s Perspectives on Activism Memo

In this memo assignment, you will investigate women’s activism at the turn of the 20th century, applying a particular perspective on a topic about which you, as a woman in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, feel passionate. Topics could include perspectives in support of or against the activist initiative. Activism could include the suffrage movement, pacifism during WWI, birth control, women in the workforce, etc.

Your memo should address:

• The reasons why you, as the memo author, either support or are against the activist cause about which you are writing.
• Analysis of your thoughts (as the author of the memo) regarding why this activist topic is important.
• Assessment of society’s assumptions regarding women in the public sphere. To complete this assignment, you will craft a 500-word (minimum) memo with at least three academic sources (course text and two additional academic sources) properly cited and referenced in APA format.The assignment must meet the following college writing expectations:
  • Writing should establish the purpose of the essay with a clear, sustained point of view.
  • Writing should follow the conventions of Standard English (correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling).
  • Writing should be well ordered, logical, and unified as well as original and insightful.
  • Writing should follow APA citation and reference style.
    • Utilize the Assignment Resources for further direction if needed.
  ResearchUsing course readings and outside academic sources (a total of three sources), research women’s activism of the early 20th century.The first wave of feminism would not only correspond with the latter decades of the suffrage movement but also with discussions of women’s economic independence and efforts to break free of societal constraints. For this Unit 5 Assignment, you will put yourself in the shoes of a woman from the first two decades of the 20th century, and explore what motivated women’s activism in the early 20th century, as well as how the activism helped inspire a collective voice for women.ReflectHaving thoroughly researched the topic, assess the impact of activism on women’s lives and experiences. This memo could be shared with your local newspaper, or church bulletin, women’s group, or other community organization. Think of the memo as an opportunity for you, writing in the voice of a woman interested in activism at the turn of the 20th century, to share your perspective (similar to an opinion/editorial piece in news sources today). Women such as Alice Paul, Edna Kenton, Inez Milholland, Bessie Beatty, and others were ardent supporters of equality, whether via voting rights, sexual freedom, or joining the military.