Why did the WSPU become increasingly militant after 1908?

Question 1

The early tactics of the WSPU were often…

Answer 1

• quite constitutional and conservative

Question 2

More conservative tactics included:

Answer 2

• ‘The suffragette’ - a published journal, featured articles in support of their cause
• Took part in marches such as the ‘Mud March’ - large scale protest containing 27,000 women

Question 3

When did the movement begin to increase its militancy?

Answer 3

• 1909-1910

Question 4

Christabel Pankhurst led a wave of attacks on property in 1909 this included:

Answer 4

• Throwing stones through windows of London social clubs
• Burning post boxes
• Attempted to damage properties belonging to prominent politicians, e.g. House of David Lloyd George

Question 5

How many suffragettes were arrested in 1909, and what for?

Answer 5

• 27 suffragettes were arrested for throwing stones through the windows of 10 downing street

Question 6

What became more serious from 1909?

Answer 6

• Hunger strikes - prisons began to use force feeding against suffragettes
• Important for gaining public attention - prison and gov depicted as forceful and cruel

Question 7

What occurred during 1911-1912?

Answer 7

• The government suggested a Conciliation Bill which would give a small number of wealthy women the vote
• Led to WSPU pausing their tactics to allow parliament to push this through

Question 8

What, however, caused more aggressive militancy?

Answer 8

• Conciliation Bill was not passed due to a lack of parliamentary time
• Lib Gov announced a new bill which aimed at male suffrage
• WSPU saw this as a betrayal returning to a more radical period of campaigning

Question 9

What happened from 1912?

Answer 9

• Militant campaigns became more extreme than previously

Question 10

What are key examples of increased militancy in the period 1912-1914?

Answer 10

• 1913, bombing of David Lloyd George’s house
• In Bristol, suffragettes burned down a timber yard and a university

Question 11

Why did a ceasefire occur in 1914?

Answer 11

• Due to the start of the First World War, the Pankhurst’s called an end to militant campaigns in a demonstration of patriotism - magazine the ‘Suffragette’ renamed to ‘The Britannia’ to represent this