1.2 Wider Franchise and Suffrage

Question 1

What is a Franchise

Answer 1

The ability to engage in politics and vote in elections

Question 2

What would extending the franchise mean

Answer 2

Increasing the number of people who can vote in elections

Question 3

Past issues with the franchise

Answer 3

In the 1800s only 400,000 could vote and there was mass inequality, women could not vote and some wealthy individuals could vote multiple times whilst working men couldn’t at all.
. Very unrepresentative: ‘Rotten’ boroughs had an MP but very few people to represent whilst large developing cities had 0 representation

Question 4

Suffragists

Answer 4

People who tried to achieve the vote by means of peaceful methods, with the aim being to get bills passed in parliament

Question 5

Suffragettes

Answer 5

People who campaigned for a women’s vote. Different to Suffragists as the Suffragettes used more militant and direct methods to draw attention such as setting fire to buildings

Question 6

Difference between Suffragettes and Suffragists in campaigning for women’s suffrage

Answer 6

Suffragettes used direct and militant action whereas Suffragists used peaceful actions side by side with politicians
Suffragettes set fire to buildings and even tried to attack politicians whilst Suffragists Lobbied politicians