Women's Rights Flashcards
Why did some believe that women should have the vote?
They’ve been able to vote since 1888.
Women could offer a different approach to voting and politics.
Women pay taxes too.
Many single workers and widows have the same responsibilities as men.
Other areas such as New Zealand have the vote.
Why did some believe women shouldn’t have the vote?
Women are different to men and their duty lies in the home.
They’re too pure and emotional to vote.
Women don’t fight in war so why should they decide war policies?
Women may leave their families.
Describe the formation of the NUWSS and their activities…
Formed in 1897 by Milicent Fawcett.
Wanted to use nonviolent methods to eventually achieve the vote.
Used pamphlets, marches, and had meetings to convince conservatives, labour politicians, and liberals.
In February 1907 they had the Hyde Park, ‘mud march,’ where the ran covered them in mud. In July 1926, a pilgrimmage from 8 locations to London resulted in a meeting with female speakers.
When was the WSPU formed? Who by? What did they become known as? What activities did they do?
1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst. They were known as the suffragettes.
On 13 Oct 1905, Christabel Pankhurst was arrested for asking Sir Edward Grey if he would give women the vote and pretending to spit at him when she didn’t leave.
On 5 July 1905, Marion Wallace Dunlop served at Holloway Prison and hunger striked, causing her to be let out early, as she was not placed in a proper cell.
Window smashing in 1912.
On 5 June 1913, Emily Davidson ran in front of Anmer at the Epsom Derby and was killed.
What other militant acts did the suffragettes partake in?
Cutting telephone wires, pouring dye in reservoirs and acid on the greens of golf courses and assaulting leaders.
What had the suffragists achieved by 1914?
A newspaper called ‘The Common Cause,’ and 50,000 members with $50,000 donations.
Who formed the Women’s Freedom League? Describe features of the group!
Formed by Charlotte Despard in 1907 as people disagreed with the violence of the WSPU, they had 4000 members and 60 branches.
They refused to take part in the 1911 census.
They locked themselves to the grille of the women’s gallery in the Houses of Parliament, 1907.
They picketed MPs.
Marches were organised.
They did high-profile stunts such as throwing carrots and propaganda leaflets over parliament.
Refusal to pay taxes.
What was set up in September 1909?
Force feeding due to the Liberal fear of a suffragette dying which would create more publicity for the movement. People looked at the liberals with disgust.
What was set up in 1910?
The development of the Conciliation Act with a Conciliation committee. It was hoped a woman could vote if she owned a house, apartment, or room. However, by December 1910 elections, Asquith ditched this, causing militancy despite promises of developing a new act. Arson and window smashing commenced.
What was set up in 1912?
The Franchise and Registration Bill to reduce the limitations of the male vote and achieve the female vote. This was rejected by parliament.
What was the 1913 Temporary Discharge Act?
The Cat and Mouse Act, women could be discharged when they got ill and then placed back in prison. Some women pretended to be ill so they could be released.
What were the reactions of the public?
The actions showed women were too hysterical for the vote and Asquith didn’t want to give in.
What divisions were created?
Milicent Fawcett was shocked by the 1912-3 firebomb incidents, causing the suffragettes to be isolated. Sylvia Pankhurst left the WSPU so she could help the poor in the East End.
What were issues with the government?
Getting women the vote was a low priority.
They were distracted with the threat of Irish Civil War.
To continue, there was the issue of clashes between the Commons and the Lords.
The increasing trade union militancy.
They couldn’t give all women the vote and if they gave householders the vote, they feared they would vote conservative.
What was the traditional thought of women which meant they couldn’t get the vote?
They had to focus on domestic responsibilites.
