Women's Suffrage

Introduction

This web page will guide you through using some web based resources to learn about the development of Women's Suffrage in Australia

You will need to open a new Word Document to be able to enter in your information.

Activity 1

There were a couple of key figures in history who were instrumental in the development of Women's Suffrage in Australia. One who was considered the pioneer was Catherine Spence. In your Word Document type a heading of 'Key Figures in Women's Suffrage' and then a sub-heading Catherine Spence. Read this website about Catherine and then type a paragraph in your document about Catherine Spence. Include in this:-

        When she was born and when she died.
        What she did for a living and how this contributed greatly to the Women's Suffrage cause (hint: think 
             about publicity).
        What she was the first woman in Australia to do.

Activity 2

Put a new sub-heading in your document 'Vida Goldstein'. Read about Vida in this article in the Melbourne Age newspaper and write a paragraph about her including the following information:-

        What she was the first woman in Australia to do.
        That she stood as an independent candidate at several elections and why she never joined a major
             party

Activity 3

Go to this website which outlines some of the key elements and events of the struggle for Women's Suffrage in Australia. Scroll down to the section entitled 'Anti-Suffragists Movement'. Type this as a heading in your document. Read through this section and have a look at the cartoons.

        List out four reasons that the anti-suffragists gave at the time why women should not be allowed to
             vote or stand for office.
        Write a sentence describing the attitude towards women that prevailed during this period.

Well Done! Now save your document as 'Women's Suffrage' and print it out and stick  it in your book.