Suffragette Chronology Exercise Flashcards
December 1870
In December 1870 The Married Women’s Property Act gives married women the right to own their own property and money.
1897
In 1897 The National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). Later led by Millicent Fawcett, the NUWSS favoured peaceful campaign methods such as petitions.
October 1903
In October 1903 The Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) is formed in Manchester at the home of Emmeline Pankhurst.
1905
1905, the WSPU adopts the motto ‘Deeds not Words’, resulting in the start of militant action by the suffragettes.
1908
1908 the ‘Women’s Sunday’ demonstration is organised by the WSPU at Hyde Park, London. Attended by 250,000 people from around Britain, it is the largest-ever political rally in London. Ignored by Asquith, suffragettes turn to smashing windows in Downing Street, using stones with written pleas tied to them, and tie themselves to railings.
April 1913
April 1913: The ‘Cat and Mouse’ Act is introduced (officially titled Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill Health) Act). It allows authorities to temporarily release suffragettes on hunger strike, and then re-arrest them once they have recuperated (get better).
June 1913
In June 1913, Emily Wilding Davison is killed after she steps out in front of the King’s horse at Epsom Derby.
August 1914
With the outbreak of World War One in August 1914 the WSPU’s and NUWSS’s campaigns are suspended. Women are urged to support the war effort, and they do, as during this period nearly 5 million women remain or enter into employment.
1918
The Representation of the People Bill is passed in 1918, allowing women over the age of 30 and men over the age of 21 to vote. Women have to be married to or a member of the Local Government Register.
1919
Nancy Astor becomes the first female MP to take her seat in the Houses of Parliament in 1919.
July 1928
By July 1928, all women over the age of 21 are given the right to vote.
