Britain: Why Women Gained the Vote Flashcards
Introduction: Background Information
During the 19th century, Britain was passing many laws to enfranchise men, such as the 1832 Reform Act, but never women.
Many women in Britain seemed the vote as it would give them a voice to nationally improve the conditions of British women.
Introduction: Line of argument
Most important factor was women’s work during the war
Introduction: list of factors
Suffragettes, suffragists, changing attitudes towards women
Women’s work during the war: KU
Women played a major role in Britain’s war effort - most famously, working in mutation factories. Chemicals like sulphur turned their skin yellow, earning them the nickname ‘canary girls’. By 1917, 80% of British shells were made by women.
Women also took over many jobs that were traditionally carried out by men, including becoming train drivers and police officers. In 1915, Edith smith became the first woman
Women’s work during the war: A
The war gave women the opportunity to act in traditionally male-only roles and in doing so proved their competence. Therefore, women should gain the vote because they contribute to society equally as much as men
Women’s work during the war: A+
However, only women over 30 who owned property or married to property owners were given the right to vote. Many of the workers in the munitions factories were poor and under 30, so therefore the vote can’t be a seen as a thank you to the workers in munitions factories.
Suffragettes: KU
In 1903, Emmeline Pankhurst formed the Women’s Political and Social Union (WSPU). Their motto was ‘deeds not words’ highlighting their belief in the need for violent actions in the fight for women’s votes. These actions included arson, bombing, and vandalising David Lloyd George’s house.
Because of this, many suffragettes were incarcerated where they would go on hunger strike. In response, the government began force feeding the women. Emily Davidson, who later died at the Derby, was forced to fed on 49 occasions.
Suffragettes: A
The suffragettes being force fed created a sympathetic image of them. Many people felt sorry for how th government was treating them, believing that they should get the vote to stop the cruel behaviour
Suffragettes: A+
The suffragettes violent actions often alienated the MPs who they needed support from. MPs couldn’t support them as they would be seen as anti-establishment
Changing attitudes towards women: KU
In the 1870s, women had more educational opportunities. In 1872, primary education became compulsory for both boys and girls. In. 1878, the university of London became the first university to offer women degrees.
In the 1900s, women had an increasing role in politics. In 1894, some women were allowed to vote in local elections and run for government. In 1908, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson became the first women to be elected as a major in Britain.
Changing attitudes towards women: A
Women were becoming more educated, meaning that the idea that women were too unintelligent to vote was disproven.
Changing attitudes towards women: A+
Turn out at local elections were low, therefore people believed women didn’t wont the vote
Suffragists: KU
In 1897, Millicent Fawcett formed the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). They used peaceful actions like writing letters, marching and talking directly to MPs. In 1907, they held the Mud March - the largest demonstration for women’s suffrage of the time.
They supported labours vote for all campaign and would advocate for labour candidates during election time.
Suffragists: A
By talking directly to MPs, they could present themselves as educated individuals that deserved the vote
Suffragists: A+
Many grouped formed in the 1800s, ultimately they failed to make any serious changes but the 1900s.
