The Suffragists

The Suffragists, led by the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), played a crucial role in the fight for women's voting rights. Their peaceful and legal approach was highly influential in gaining political support.

The Suffragists employed various methods to promote their cause:

1. Holding meetings in local branches (over 600 by 1914)
2. Lobbying MPs through letters and personal meetings
3. Using "peaceful persuasion" to convince politicians
4. Organizing petitions
5. Distributing pamphlets and publishing newspapers

Highlight: The Suffragists' peaceful campaign demonstrated that women were capable of rational, disciplined action, impressing many MPs.

Their alliance with the Labour Party put pressure on the Liberal government to address female suffrage or risk losing potential support.

Example: Parliamentary bills about giving women the vote were regularly introduced by MPs before 1914, such as the Conciliation Bills of 1910, 1911, and 1912.

While some historians argue that the Suffragist campaign was slow-moving and easily ignored, their peaceful approach earned the respect of many politicians and was crucial in advancing the cause.

The Suffragettes

The Suffragettes, led by the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), took a more militant approach to the fight for women's suffrage. Their tactics were controversial but effective in raising awareness and putting pressure on the government.

The Suffragettes employed various militant methods:

1. Arson attacks, including one on Chancellor David Lloyd George's property
2. Heckling MPs
3. Smashing windows of important buildings, such as 10 Downing Street
4. Pouring acid into letterboxes
5. Civil disobedience, including refusing to pay taxes and participate in the 1911 census
6. Hunger strikes

Highlight: The Suffragettes' militant actions were crucial in keeping the issue of women's suffrage in the public eye and pressuring politicians.

Some historians argue that fear of a return to Suffragette militancy after World War I was a key reason for granting women the vote. While the public did not approve of law-breaking, many grew to respect the bravery of the Suffragettes.

Quote: "The middle-ground of historians believe that whilst the public did not approve of law-breaking, they grew respect for the bravery of the Suffragettes, and in turn to recognize the importance of their cause."

The Suffragettes' actions were controversial but played a significant role in the eventual success of the women's suffrage movement.

Changes in Society

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant changes in British society that influenced the women's suffrage movement. Education reforms played a crucial role in expanding opportunities for women.

The 1880 Education Act granted all girls the right to primary schooling for the first time. This was a significant step forward in women's education. In 1878, London University became the first university to allow women to graduate with degrees on the same basis as men.

Highlight: These educational advancements made women more likely to be informed and demand the right to vote.

However, the impact of these changes was limited. While girls' schools were established, their curriculum often focused on traditionally feminine subjects like cookery and needlework, reinforcing gender stereotypes.

Example: Women's wages remained significantly lower than men's, with women earning roughly 65% of a man's wage for similar work.

This wage disparity demonstrated that societal attitudes towards women had not changed dramatically, despite educational progress.