Women and Vote Essay Flashcards
(20 cards)
What was the main reason some women gained the vote in 1918?
The militant Suffragette campaign
The Suffragette movement was characterized by radical tactics aimed at gaining attention and support for women’s suffrage.
Who established the Suffragettes and in what year?
Emmeline Pankhurst in 1903
The Suffragettes were part of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU).
What was the motto of the Suffragettes?
‘Deeds Not Words’
This motto emphasized action over discussion in the fight for women’s suffrage.
What methods did the Suffragettes use to gain media attention?
- Chaining themselves to railings
- Arson attacks
- Hunger strikes
These methods aimed to keep the issue of women’s suffrage in the public eye.
What was the main alternative to the Suffragettes?
The Suffragists
The Suffragists used peaceful and moderate tactics to advocate for women’s voting rights.
Who founded the Suffragists and what was their motto?
Millicent Fawcett, ‘like a glacier, slow but unstoppable’
The Suffragists were part of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS).
What tactics did the Suffragists employ?
- Meetings
- Pamphlets
- Petitions
- Parliamentary bills
These tactics aimed to educate and persuade the public and politicians regarding women’s suffrage.
What significant event occurred on August 4, 1914?
Britain declared war on Germany
This event led both suffrage groups to suspend their political campaigns.
How many women were employed making munitions during WWI?
More than 700,000
Their contributions showcased women’s capabilities in traditionally male roles.
What was the Representation of the People Act?
An act that granted some women the right to vote in 1918
However, it restricted voting rights to women over 30 who were homeowners or married to homeowners.
What was a major criticism of the Suffragists’ campaign?
It was seen as tedious and slow-moving
Historians argue that this made it easy for the campaign to be ignored by the public.
What was the significance of Emily Davison’s death?
It brought martyrdom to the Suffragette cause
Her death highlighted the extreme lengths women were willing to go for the vote.
What were some early legislative changes that improved women’s opportunities in the late 19th century?
- Advancements in women’s education
- Tax-paying women voting in local elections
These changes began to shift societal views on women’s roles and capabilities.
True or False: Changing attitudes in society were the only reason women gained the vote in 1918.
False
While changing attitudes were important, the militant tactics of the Suffragettes were deemed more significant.
Fill in the blank: The Suffragists’ campaign was important because it showed women were _______.
respectable and worthy of the vote
Their moderate approach attracted a broader audience, including politicians.
What was the impact of women’s war work during WWI on the suffrage movement?
It gained respect for women and changed perceptions of their capabilities
Women working in dangerous roles contributed to arguments for their right to vote.
What was the significance of the global attention on the women’s suffrage movement during WWI?
It pressured the British government regarding women’s voting rights
The visibility of the movement increased due to international awareness and media coverage.
What was a traditional explanation for why women gained the vote in 1918?
The vote was seen as a ‘reward’ for their contributions during WWI
This view is complicated by the restrictions imposed by the Representation of the People Act.
How did other countries’ suffrage movements influence Britain?
It highlighted Britain’s lag in democratic progress
Countries like New Zealand had granted women’s suffrage much earlier.
What was the role of the Suffragettes in the context of the government’s fear post-WWI?
The government feared women would return to militant activities
This fear influenced the decision to grant women the vote, as they were viewed as ‘heroines’ rather than ‘terrorists’.
