Unit 6: How far were individual women responsible for the WSPU's success before 1914? Flashcards
Describe the WSPU by 1914.
WSPU had much success and popularity but was in a precarious position.
By ruling with charm, leaders Christabel and Emmeline Pankhurst became inspiring women, with a large fanbase turning the WSPU into an effective political force.
The Pankhursts believed that a democratic style government was unsuitable to a militant organisation like the WSPU, which practised illegal activities.
Christabel was central to the adoption of militant tactics that brought the question of women’s suffrage to British politics and the increaisngly violent tactics after 1908- but her role diminished when she fled to France to avoid imprisonment.
Emmeline’s role deteriorated as her constant imprisonments, starvation, releases and rearrests ruined her health.
With the Liberal government’s repressive repsonses to violence and Christabel’s absence, the WSPU’s leadership was undermined by 1914.
The WSPU was inflexible as they were able to gain widespread support but failed to influence the government in extending the franchise to women.
What was Emmeline Pankhurst’s role?
Most known for being the founder of the WSPU.
Advocated for suffrage, playing a crucial role in raising public awareness on the need for women’s suffrage.
Forefront of militant tactics: window-breaking/ heckling.
Influential speaker that received sympathy among female audiences.
Provided a magnetism that attracted many dedicated women to the movement.
Had 20 years experience campaigning female suffrage, limited experience in militant tactics with women’s franchise league.
Could be argued that her control was undermined by militant tactics which caused divisions.
What was Christabel Pankhurst’s role?
Most known for being the co-founder of the WSPU.
Advocated for suffrage, actively campaigned for women’s right to vote through speeches, writing to draw attention to the cause.
Militant tactics such as demonstrations, acts of civil disobedience like smashing wndows, arson and hunger strikes- especially whilst imprisoned which led to force-feeding.
Became known as an attractive heroic figure, and her militant tactics created sympathy.
Had contact with Conservative leader Arthurt Balfour- she was sure Labour/Liberals were both unwilling to support women’s suffrage.
Seen as extreme to some, which scared some supporters away.
What was Sylvia Pankhurst’s role?
Published ‘the Suffragette’ and founded East London Federation of Suffragettes (ELFS).
Acts of militancy- in and out of prisonm understood the political value of imprisonment and force feeding.
Kept close links to Labour MPs- wanted the WSPU to represent the working class women and be a socialist organisation.
Advocated for inclusivity- including working class women.
In 1911, she published ‘the Suffragette’, history of the women’s militant suffrage movement from 1905-10, acting as a propaganda piece intended to win support for the movement. Emphasised the sacrifice suffragettes made through militancy.
Abandoned her studies at the Royal College of Arts in 1906 and designed banners/gifts/flags for the movement.
Didn’t approve of the escalating violence and disagreed with Emmeline and Christabel’s Conservative views.
Her ideological differences created divisions between herself and her mother and sister.
What was Emily Davison’s role?
Most known for her violent activisim, especially at the EPSOM Derby, where she collided with the King’s horse.
Resorted to stone throwing/arson and underwent force feedings in prison, arrested several times including in 1912 for 6 months- fell down staircase to win relief from force-feeding and suffered head/spinal injuries.
Her actions at EPSOM gained widespread attention- unsure whether it was suicide or if she was attempting to attach a WSPU flag to the horse.
WSPU was eager to show how she had martyred herself.
Received criticism for violent tactics was a symbol of Emmeline/Christabel’s leadership which was weak and out of control.
Lack of knowledge of her intentions shows weakness within WSPU leaderhsip- as she acted independently without following instructions.
WSPU seized on propaganda opportunity of her death, with her funeral used as a publicity stunt which gained public sympathy for the WSPU.
