British Suffragette Movement

Definition

The British Suffragette Movement was a campaign in the late 19th and early 20th centuries advocating for women's right to vote in the United Kingdom. This movement became notable for its use of militant tactics and civil disobedience, distinguishing itself from the more moderate suffragist movement. It played a crucial role in challenging social norms and expanding the political rights of women, ultimately leading to partial suffrage in 1918 and full suffrage in 1928.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The British Suffragette Movement gained momentum with the formation of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903, founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters.
2. Suffragettes used various forms of protest, including hunger strikes, window smashing, and arson, to draw attention to their cause and highlight their demands for equal rights.
3. The phrase 'Deeds Not Words' became a rallying cry for suffragettes, emphasizing their commitment to direct action rather than mere speech or petitioning.
4. In 1918, the Representation of the People Act allowed women over 30 who met certain property qualifications to vote, while full equality was achieved with the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act in 1928.
5. The movement faced significant opposition and backlash from society, including arrests, force-feeding during hunger strikes, and media portrayals that often dismissed their efforts as irrational.

Review Questions

• How did the strategies used by suffragettes differ from those of suffragists in their fight for women's voting rights?
  • Suffragettes employed militant tactics such as civil disobedience, hunger strikes, and protests to gain attention for their cause, contrasting sharply with the suffragists who advocated for women's voting rights through peaceful means like lobbying and petitions. This difference highlighted a division in strategy where suffragettes believed that more aggressive actions were necessary to disrupt societal norms and force political change. Ultimately, these contrasting methods reflected varying philosophies on how best to achieve suffrage.
• What role did Emmeline Pankhurst play in shaping the British Suffragette Movement and what were her key contributions?
  • Emmeline Pankhurst was a central figure in the British Suffragette Movement, known for founding the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), which became synonymous with militant activism. Under her leadership, the WSPU adopted radical strategies to push for women's rights, including organized protests and public demonstrations. Pankhurst's ability to galvanize support and her unwavering determination made her a powerful advocate for women's suffrage and significantly advanced the movement's visibility.
• Evaluate the impact of World War I on the British Suffragette Movement and its goals regarding women's suffrage.
  • World War I had a profound impact on the British Suffragette Movement by shifting public perception of women’s roles in society. As women took on jobs traditionally held by men during the war, their contributions underscored arguments for equality and necessity for voting rights. This changing dynamic helped lay groundwork for legislative changes post-war. The realization that women could perform essential roles led to a growing acknowledgment that they deserved political representation, culminating in the passage of the Representation of the People Act in 1918.

Related terms

Suffragists: Members of the more moderate movement advocating for women's suffrage through peaceful protests and lobbying rather than militant actions.

Emmeline Pankhurst:

A key leader of the British Suffragette Movement, known for founding the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) and promoting direct action to achieve voting rights.

Representation of the People Act 1918:

An important piece of legislation that granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 in the UK, marking a significant victory for the suffragette movement.