California Women Win the Vote in 1911 — Reading Comprehension

In 1911, women in California won the right to vote. This victory came after many years of hard work and determination. Before this, only men could vote in most states, including California. Women wanted to have a say in the laws that affected their lives.

Women across California formed groups called suffrage clubs. These clubs met in homes, churches, and schools. Members planned marches and handed out flyers. They wanted to show that women cared about their communities and deserved the right to vote.

One important leader was Clara Shortridge Foltz. She was the first female lawyer in California. Clara gave speeches and wrote articles. She said, "Let the ballot be placed in the hands of every intelligent woman." Her words inspired many people.

Many men and women worked together for change. They organized parades and held meetings in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. They used newspapers and posters to spread their message. Some people did not agree with women voting, but the suffragists did not give up.

Finally, in October 1911, the people of California voted on a new law called Proposition 4. This law would allow women to vote. The vote was very close. For days, people waited for the results.

When the final count came in, it was official. California women had won the right to vote! People cheered in the streets and rang bells. Women lined up at polling places to cast their first votes. Newspapers called it a "great victory for justice."

The success in California inspired other states. It showed that change was possible. In 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment gave all American women the right to vote. The bravery and hard work of California women helped make this happen.

Interesting Fact: California was the sixth state in the U.S. to give women the right to vote!

In what year did California women win the vote?

Who was Clara Shortridge Foltz?

What was Proposition 4?

Why did women form suffrage clubs?

How did people support the suffrage movement?

What happened after California women won the vote?

California was the first state to allow women to vote. True or false?

What does suffrage mean?