Description
In 1872, suffragist leader Susan B. Anthony attempted to vote in the presidential election. Knowing that it was illegal to vote, Anthony willingly accepted the risk of being arrested to further her cause for civil rights for women. At her subsequent trial, Anthony had a verbal exchange with the judge about why women should be allowed to vote. The exchange happened after Anthony was found guilty of voting illegally.
Source-Dependent Questions
- Since we have only the text of the exchange between Anthony and the judge, how would you describe the tone? Find a partner and read the exchange between Anthony and the judge out loud or watch it read by actors here. Consider the fact that Anthony defies the judge’s orders on more than one occasion. What reasons does Anthony give for believing she should have the right to vote? Are you persuaded by her arguments? Why or why not?
- Where could you look to find out what happened to Susan B. Anthony after this exchange with the judge? What else would you like to learn?
Citation Information
Anthony, Susan B. , Defendant, et al. An account of the proceedings on the trial of Susan B. Anthony on the charge of illegal voting at the Presidential election in Nov., and on the trial of Beverly W. Jones, Edwin T. Marsh and William B. Hall, the inspectors of elections by whom her vote was received. Rochester, N.Y.: Daily Democrat and Chronicle Book Print, 1874. Pdf. Retrieved from the Library of Congress.