12.1 The franchise extension and 'flapper vote'

Question 1

Which organisation campaigned for the extension of the franchise in the 1920’s?

Answer 1

National Union for the Societies of Equal Citizenship (NUSEC)

Question 2

Who resisted the extension of the franchise? (2)

Answer 2

• Conservatives
• Daily Mail (Lord Rothermere)
• Telegraph

Question 3

Why did some fear the extension of the franchise? (3)

Answer 3

• There were fears that the ‘flappers’ were immature and volatile
• Vote for socialists
• Women would then outnumber men in the electorate

Question 4

Why did political activity since 1918 help to convince many conservatives that the franchise could be extended?

Answer 4

• There was a strong track record that women were more likely to vote in 1918
• Women helped Conservatives raise funds

Question 5

What was the impact of the 1928 extension of the franchise? (4)

Answer 5

• 2 million more women than men in the electorate
• Impact of the voters was unclear as there were no opinion polls
• Women were finally given the franchise on the same terms as men
• All adults over 21 could vote

Question 6

How many people voted against the 1928 bill to extend the franchise?

Answer 6

Only 10 voted against the bill versus 387