Beginning in the mid-19th century, several generations of woman suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied, and practiced civil disobedience to achieve what many people considered a radical change in the U.S. Constitution. Militant suffragists used tactics such as parades, silent vigils, and hunger strikes. In 1870 the 15th amendment to the Constitution granted black men the right to vote. In 1871, a voting rights petition was signed by prominent activist women and sent to Congress. It requested that suffrage rights be extended to women and that women be granted the privilege of being heard on the floor of Congress. In 1919, the House of Representatives passed the 19th amendment by a vote of 304 to 90, and the Senate approved it 56 to 25. Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan were the first states to ratify it. On August 18, 1920, it appeared that Tennessee had ratified the amendment, but those against the amendment managed to delay official ratification. Anti-suffrage legislators fled the state to avoid a quorum. However, Tennessee reaffirmed its vote and delivered the crucial 36th ratification necessary for final adoption. This lesson plan provides a historical background for womens' voting rights; gives National History Standards and National Civics and Government Standards; suggests six diverse learning activities for students; and presents nine different primary source documents, including resolutions and petitions. Contains document analysis and photograph analysis documents. (BT)