Reform in the 1800s

TASK

Using the format of a television news report, three members of your group will have a chance to express his/her opinions of a certain reform movement, in character. Try to find actual quotes from your historic figures to use as the reporter asks questions which show the audience what your specific issues are. One person, acting as a reporter, will deliver the news and interview each character.

PROCESS

Each group will research one of the major reform movements of the 1800s:

Women's Suffrage

Social Work

Abolition

Unions

Temperance

Ask yourself questions such as these:

Who was involved?

What did the reformers do to try to bring about change?

Why did they think a change was necessary?

What was the outcome of their work?

Group Members include

One reformer - The reformer should stay in character as the famous person who tried to bring about some type of social reform. Use this persons writings and quotations to explain why you think change is necessary and how you worked to make that change.

One opposer - (This can be a fictional character). The opposer will have to do a little thinking on his/her own; there may not be websites that reference a certain groups opposition to social change. For what reason might someone oppose reform? (one hint: $$) Be as complete as possible in giving your answers; perhaps some of these reasons are still used today to oppose change.

One person who is affected by the movement today - (This can be a fictional character) What effects of this movement are still being felt? You, as your character, should be able to explain what advantages or disadvantages you now have as a result of the work of your groups reformer.

One reporter - Think of how a television news report is formatted. First, an anchorperson gives an introductionleading the audience into the piece but not giving too much away. Then, if that anchorperson is the reporter (and you are), he/she then talks to witnesses about the particular news story. For our piece, each witness should get 1-2 minutes. Finally, the anchorperson will wrap up the story with a conclusion. Ask your panel of experts (your group) questions which will allow them to give a full account of their activities and/or opinions, but rememberkeep it short! You may want to introduce each person, or maybe each person will introduce himself. It is your job to relate the persons account to the overall theme of your news story, so try to ask questions that are relevant.

CONCLUSION

Through your research, you should gain an understanding of why some people felt that social change was necessary in the 1800s. You should also be made aware of the challenges that these reformers faced as they tried to go against the flow, and maybe that will help you find a deeper appreciation for the freedoms that you enjoy today. Finally, you will be able to see how these reforms did not stop in the 1800s, but continue to affect the lives of the people of the 21^st century.