WSPU Flashcards
(26 cards)
When did the WSPU start using militancy? How?
First violent action- mass window smashing campaign 1908.
Evidence of militancy against politicians?
Christabel Pankhurst damage of Lloyd George property 1909
What happened on Black Friday (WSPU)
1910; 300 suffragettes marched to the HoC and police responded abusively.
What happened to Emily Davidson? When?
Jumped in front of the King’s horse and died in 1913.
What militant action took place in 1914?
4 major acts of arson.
What demographic dominated the WSPU?
Elitist; wealthy women; money necessary for women able to dedicate their lives to campaigning; relied on unpaid work.
Evidence of Pankhursts dominating WSPU?
By 1906, WSPU policies determined by a Central Committee dominated by the Pankhursts; few others were consulted in decision making
Impact of authoritarian management of the WSPU?
1907, 70 members left to form a Democratic Women’s Freedom League.
Pushed away key members such as Sylvia Pankhurst
Evidence of WSPU organisational success?
Managed to bring ‘Votes for Women’ into public eye
Which early attempts at female suffrage failed?
Women’s suffrage Bill 1909
Conciliation Bill 1911
Conciliation Bill 1912
Government franchise Bill 1913
Why did early attempts at reform fail?
-Other issues taking precedent
-Lack of support from Asquith
-WSPU tactics alienating gov
What tactics did the NUWSS use?
Peaceful tactics: leaflets, petitions, meetings with politicians.
Evidence of NUWSS success?
By 1900, more than half of all MPs said they wished to give the vote to women.
Key arguments for whether suffragette militancy was useful?
1) Effective: gains attention
2) Ineffective: alienates suffragettes
3) Ineffective: alienates government
Evidence of previous women’s groups failure?
Organisations like NUWSS around since 1870, yet issue of female suffrage scarcely discussed in parliament.
Evidence of greater consideration of female suffrage following suffragette militancy?
Following start of widespread militancy in 1908- 4 major bills in Parliament in 1909, 1911, 1912, 1913.
Reasons suggesting attention was negative?
Disapproval to acts of arson, particularly 1914 4 major acts.
Window smashing from 1907 caused disruption, as did chaining themselves to landmarks.
Evidence of attention evoking sympathy?
-Emily Davidson 1913
-Black Friday 1910
-
Evidence of WSPU militancy affecting passing of laws in gov?
1912 conciliation Bill- 26 MPs who promised support for it voted against it and 66 who had abstained in 1911 voted against it in 1912, following increased violence after failure in 1911.
What about the WSPU drove some suffragettes away?
Authoritarian nature of command, largely dictated by the Pankhursts. Meant impossibility of escaping militancy.
What was the consequence of militancy on WSPU members?
70 left in 1907, setting up a democratic fight for women’s votes.
Crucially, Sylvia Pankhurst driven away.
How did WSPU militancy affect its relations with other female suffrage groups?
Drove them away from NUWSS; Millicent Fawcett openly condemned use of violence.
Which government policy evidenced its lack of sympathy for the suffragettes?
Prison force feedings and the Cat and Mouse Act; harsh treatment signifies lack of respect/ patience
Government actions which exemplify alienation from suffragettes?
Violence evident during Black Friday 1910 and in response to them chaining themselves to things.
