suffragists and suffragettes and extending the franchise Flashcards
what is franchise/suffrage?
the ability/right to vote in elections
who were suffragettes?
women campaigning for the same right to vote as men
what was the 1832 Great Reform Act?
those who own properties that attract a rent of at least £10 per annum gaining the right to vote, except women
what was representation of the peoples act 1918?
most adult men given the right to vote, plus WOMEN over 30 who are either married or a property owner
what was the representation of the peoples act 1928?
extending the franchise to all adults over 21, including women
what was the representation of the people act 1969?
the voting age in the UK is reduced to 18 instead of 21
what methods did suffragettes use to promote the issue of women’s franchise?
direct action:
- disrupting political party meetings
- chaining themselves to railings
- attempting to blow up buildings
- hunger strikes
what was WSPU, when and why was It created?
Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), came in 1903 due to the NUWSS’ work/progress being too slow
was the WSPU democratic? and why?
No, they were not democratic, they focused on ‘the deed, not words’ and resorted to violence and illegal methods to publicise the issue of female suffrage and to put external pressure on parliament
what colours did suffragettes adopt to promote their movement?
purple, white and green
what was the NUWSS? and when were they created (before WSPU)
they were suffragists, open to all (both men and women) and their party was created in 1897 to peacefully/internally put pressure on the government, and they campaigned for equal rights to vote between men and women
what methods did NUWSS’ use?
- letter writing
- petitions
- producing materials for publication
- peaceful marches and peaceful protests
compare suffragists and suffragettes
suffragists: internally democratic, membership open to all, wanted to work WITH the government, national
suffragettes: membership for women only, violent and illegal methods, London based only (after 1906)
who is still excluded from voting? (modern day)
- under 18s
- prisoners
- those under the Mental Health Act
- the homeless- they lack a permanent address in order for them to vote
what is a current movement to extend the franchise? (under 18)
votes at 16
