An evaluation of the reasons why some women were given the vote in 1918 Flashcards
(43 cards)
What was the general belief about women in the 19th century regarding politics?
Women were seen as physically, mentally, emotionally, and morally inferior to men, and not trusted to vote rationally.
What was the ‘separate spheres’ idea in the 19th century?
Men were seen as belonging in politics, and women were seen as belonging in the home as wives and mothers.
Why did women want the right to vote?
Women wanted a voice in national issues and needed the vote to force greater change for women in Britain.
How did attitudes towards women begin to change towards the late 19th century?
There were improvements in law, opportunities, and social status for women.
What were the Women’s Property Acts of 1882 and 1893?
They gave women full legal control of property they owned at marriage or had inherited/earned while married.
When did women gain the right to vote in local elections?
From 1894, women could vote in local elections if they paid taxes.
What were the professional opportunities for women by the late 19th century?
Women could work in professions like law, medicine, and teaching.
How did the status of women in society improve by the late 19th century?
Women gained more rights, education, and the ability to participate in local politics.
Why were social changes vital in granting women the vote?
Social changes reversed the view that women were too immature and irresponsible for politics.
What limitations did women still face in the 19th century?
Women were expected to leave jobs after marriage (marriage bar), couldn’t earn degrees, and had limited representation in local councils.
How did life for working-class women in the 19th century remain the same?
Many still suffered from low pay, poor working conditions, abuse, and poverty.
What was the impact of women’s suffrage in other countries by 1913?
Many countries, including the USA, Finland, and New Zealand, granted women the vote without the predicted disasters.
How did the experience of other countries with women’s suffrage affect Britain?
The success of women’s suffrage abroad encouraged Britain to consider giving women the vote, but there is little evidence it influenced Parliament.
When did Finland grant women the vote?
In 1906.
When did New Zealand grant women the vote?
In 1893.
What was the status of women in the UK regarding local councils in 1912?
Only 24 women served on local councils out of 11,140 in 1912.
When was the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) founded?
In 1897.
Who led the NUWSS?
Millicent Fawcett.
What tactics did the NUWSS use to campaign for women’s suffrage?
Peaceful persuasion, including meetings, pamphlets, petitions, and parliamentary bills.
What were the NUWSS members nicknamed?
The Suffragists.
How many members did the NUWSS have by 1914?
Around 53,000.
Who did the NUWSS gain support from?
Male Trade Unions, the Labour Party, and important MPs like future PM David Lloyd George.
Why was the NUWSS important in gaining women the vote?
They impressed many, showed women were capable of organising, and gained parliamentary support.
