Suffragettes

Question 1

Two different groups of suffragettes

Answer 1

Suffragists: formed in 1860’s NSWSS. More constitutional approach, wanted female vote, to work within the law and society conventions
Suffragettes: formed in 1903, same aims but took a more militant approach

Question 2

Constitutional approach

Answer 2

NSWSS. Reform bill for franchise to be extended to women, rejected. Gladstone overtly stated in 1892 that he does not support the female vote. Some liberals from 68 to 86 supported but when they came into power not much done. Single women could vote in local government elections.
Conservatives: same did not do much
Conflicts over whether to take a party or non-party approach

Question 3

Militant approach-new formation

Answer 3

WSPU-suffragettes formed by emmeline Pankhurst in 1903
Smashed shop windows and burnt post boxes
Cat and mouse act remove hunger strike prisoners then put them back
There was an increase in publicity
Davisnson run over by a horse-seen as martyr

Question 4

Phases of Suffragettes

Answer 4

Phase 1 1908: confronted parliament and campaigned at by-elections
Phase 2 1910- began to become more militant window breaking and hunger strikes
Phase 3 1911: mass hunger strikes, arson, more violence

Question 5

Opposition to suffragette movement

Answer 5

Anti-suffrage league
By 1912 had 10k members
Received support from times and other national papers
Beloved many women did not want vote
Women are too rational and emotional too vote
Domestic sphere suited them more

Question 6

Suffragette movement by 1914

Answer 6

-Only labour of three parties supported them
-sympathy, cat and mouse act
-anger- destruction and burning post boxes restricting mail
Raised profile issue of female suffrage