The Campaign for the Vote Flashcards
Fact file for the Suffragists
- NUWSS
- Suffragists
- National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies
- Led by Millicent Fawcett
- Founded in 1897
Fact file for the Suffragettes
- WSPU
- Suffragettes
- Women’s Social and Political Union
- Led by Emmeline Pankhurst and daughters Christabel and Sylvia
- Branch off group of NUWSS
- Founded in 1903
Tactics of The Suffragists
Leaflets, meetings, petitions to parliament, soft and non-aggressive stuff. They thought showing they were sophisticated and capable would get them the vote.
This would have worked eventually, but it was taking a very long time…
Tactics of the Suffragettes
Were annoyed at how long it was taking the Suffragists to persuade parliament. They didn’t mind getting arrested, and performed public demonstrations, chained themselves to things, and attacked MPs
What example of heckling is there?
In 1905, Christabel Pankhurst and Annie Kennie heckled Sir Edward Grey at a speaking in Manchester
What series of events were significant between 1900 and 1910? (Summary of events)
1903 - WSPU set up
1905 - C.P and A.K heckle Sir Edward Grey
1906 - Liberal government comes to power. They thought they would be more sympathetic
1907 - Qualification of Women Act - allowed women to become county/borough councillors or mayors.
1908 - Asquith came to power, he was against votes for women
Why did the protests become more extreme in 1912?
The Liberals accepted the idea of some women voting, and tried to put it into their Plural Voting Bill for parliament to discuss, however the Speaker refused to let them add it.
How did the protests become more extreme in 1912?
1) Chained themselves to railings outside Downing Street
2) Physically assaulted politicians: Asquith was attacked on a golf course by women with dog whips
3) Destroyed paintings in the National Gallery and smashed windows
4) Made arson attacks. In 1913, they bombed the house of Lloyd-George.
5) Emily Davison “threw herself” in front of a horse at the Epsom Derby. She dies of her injuries
What effect did these actions have?
The Suffragists believed the Suffragettes were hindering the suffrage for women campaign. Many sympathisers were turned off by the more violent protests. They made women look the exact opposite of what would get them the vote.
