CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
For a significant portion of American history, women were not allowed to vote. Although they were considered citizens, voting was considered a privilege and not a right and thus not extended to women. In the the 19th century, a small number of women began advocating publicly for the right to vote, but only four western states had done so by 1900. Some Virginia women who were involved in the reform efforts known as the Progressive movement became strong supporters of voting rights and organized the Equal Suffrage League of Virginia in 1909. But not all women supported the fight for suffrage, and in 1912 a group organized the Virginia Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage.
The Association produced this broadside that enumerates their concerns about legislation allowing women to vote. They feared giving women the right to vote would erode women's traditional roles in the home and bring about changes that might prove detrimental to society.
Citation: Virginia Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage, Anti-Suffrage Arguments, Broadside, 1910s, Manuscripts & Special Collections, Library of Virginia.
Related Document Bank entries:
Anti-Suffrage Arguments, Broadside, circa 1912
Women Do Want the Vote, Broadside, 1916
Learn more about the anti-suffrage movement in Virginia in The UncommonWealth blog.
Standards
Suggested Questions
Preview Activity
Scan It: Scan the broadside and list any words or phrases that stand out to you. Why did they stand out? What impact might those words have on a person taking a quick or passing glance at the broadside?
Post Activities
Analyze: What arguments are made in favor of women not having the vote? In your opinion, which, if any, of these are justified by historical fact? Be specific.
Social Media Spin: Imagine you are a member of an anti-suffrage organization, then create a catchy hashtag, motto, or tweet to spread the message.
Current Connections: What arguments were made during past presidential and/ or state elections regarding why a woman should not be elected to the office?