British Society - Campaign for female suffrage Flashcards
By 1900, could some women get better jobs?
Yes - office workers, some teachers and shop assistants
What opportunities increased for middle class women in the early 20th century?
Some could get better paid jobs, and become more independent. But were still expected to give up job when married
What act was passed when which allowed women to legally hold all property and money which they took into a marriage?
Married Women’s Property Act in 1882
What are the arguments for female suffrage?
Important members of society - mothers
Well able to exercise intellectual capability
Increasing women’s rights from 1860s
Some countries were introducing votes for women - Britain had to as it was free and democratic
Women pay tax
What are the arguments against female suffrage?
Women had duties and home and shouldn’t be distracted by political activities
Weaker sex and couldn’t understand political matters
Granting it for women granted it for the other 40% of men
More important matters to deal with
Men play a much greater role in life
Who were the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies known as?
Suffragists
Who formed the Suffragists in which year?
Millicent Fawcett in 1897
How many branches and members did the Suffragists have in 1914?
Over 100k members in over 400 branches from all social classes
How many signed the petition for votes for women in Ireland in which year?
67k signed the petition in 1902
What methods did the Suffragists use?
Petitions, rallies, marches, letters and publications - PEACEFUL
Why did the Suffragists use peaceful methods?
To prove they were worthy and would wait as long as it would take to get the vote
Who were the Women’s Social and Political Union known as?
Suffragettes
When were the Suffragettes formed and by who?
1903 by Emmeline, Christabel and Sylvia Pankhurst
What methods were used by the Suffragettes between 1903-08?
Sort of violent ones - Chaining to fences and annoying opponents meetings
What methods were used after 1908?
More violent ones - arson, criminal damage, attacks on golf courses, bomb in Lloyd George’s mansion
What was the most famous protest done by the Suffragettes in which year?
June 1913 - Emily Davidson was killed by the King’s horse
What were the effects of the methods on public opinion and politicians?
Sine were sympathetic but worried about the violence, some groups formed opposing female suffrage, The Times was completely opposed
How much support did the Suffragettes have before WW1?
Not much - definite minority of country
Which famous group was formed opposing female suffrage in which year?
National League for Opposing Woman Suffrage was founded in 1910
How did the Gov react to the Suffragette campaign?
Arrest - treated as common criminals, not political
Parliamentary discussions
How did the Suffragettes respond to being put in prison, especially after 1912?
Hunger strikes
How did the Gov respond to hunger strikes?
Force feeding
Cat and Mouse Act 1913- temporary release
What bill was introduced which promised women the vote, but was then dropped in which year by which PM?
Conciliation bill in 1911, then dropped by Asquith
How did the Suffragettes react to the dropping of the Conciliation bill?
Badly - Big increase in violent activity in 1912-14
Did Millicent Fawcett support the war effort, and what did she famously say?
Yes - “Women, your country needs you!”
When was there the need for women to fill the gaps?
Mid 1915 in the work place - especially in food, clothing and armaments
Why were trade unions opposed to women working in the workplace?
Fears that it would undermine men’s positions and wages
What famous march was organised by Pankhurst?
Right to Serve March July 1915
What did the WSPU and the Votes for women newspaper change their names to/.
Women’s party and Britannia
