suffragists and suffragettes

Cards (22)

  • When did the war break out that affected the suffragists and suffragettes?
    In 1914
  • What action did the suffragists take when the war broke out?

    They worked to persuade men of Britain to join the army
  • What did the suffragettes demand during the war?

    That women be allowed to work in munitions factories
  • What happened to all suffragettes in early August during the war?

    They were released from prison
  • What issue did British industry face early in the war?

    A desperate shortage of workers
  • By 1916, how many workers was Britain short of?
    Up to 2 million workers
  • What roles did women take on as men signed up to fight?

    Women replaced male office workers
  • By the end of the war, how many women had replaced men in office jobs?

    Half a million women
  • Why were employers reluctant to hire women for men's jobs initially?

    They thought women would not learn the necessary skills
  • What was a concern regarding women's employment in relation to men's wages?

    Women being paid less would threaten men's wages
  • What was the situation regarding engineering workers by 1916?

    The shortage of engineering workers was desperate
  • How did the government influence the hiring of women in munitions factories?

    By employing mainly women in its own munitions factories
  • How many women had taken up work in engineering industries by the end of the war?
    Almost 800,000 women
  • What were the conditions like for women working in munitions?
    Munitions work was tiring and dangerous
  • What happened to shifts as the war progressed?

    Shifts got longer and longer
  • What were some of the health effects on women handling TNT explosives?

    Breathing difficulties, rashes, and yellowing of the skin
  • What serious health issues were reported from handling TNT?
    Blood poisoning and even brain damage
  • What opportunities did women gain access to during the war?

    A whole range of jobs they couldn't have done before
  • What types of jobs did women take on during the war?
    Bus conductors, postal workers, farm labourers, and welders
  • How many women served in the Women's Land Army?
    260,000 women
  • What was founded in 1918 related to women's military service?

    The first women's army unit (WAAC)
  • Where were women present during the war in relation to medical services?
    At every medical station on the front line