Women vote

• Prior to women gaining the vote in 1918, society was not equal in Victorian and Edwardian Britain as women were seen as second-class citizens
• Women were taking a far more prominent role in society as they were allowed into universities, and many saw an independent education life but the vote remained a barrier
• Factors this essay will discuss

  • Role of the suffragists
  • Role of the suffragettes
  • Impact of the Great War on attitudes
• Suffragists


  Group that campaigned for women's suffrage using peaceful and well-respected methods
• Suffragists campaign


  • Grew to over 500 branches and 100,000 members, mostly middle and working class
  • Included petitions, marches, pamphlets, posters, and convincing MPs
  • Organized large processions like the Mud March
• Private member bills to give women the vote all failed, showing the lack of success the suffragists had
• Suffragettes


  Group that campaigned for women's suffrage using more radical and violent methods
• Suffragettes campaign


  • Used "Deeds not words" strategy with noisy heckling, window smashing, arson attacks, and mail bombings
  • Emily Davison set an example as a militant activist who fought for women's suffrage and died for the cause
• Impact of the Great War on attitudes


  Women took on traditionally male jobs like tram drivers, office workers, and medical roles, proving their capability and changing attitudes
• The women's land army played a part in providing food and preventing starvation in Britain
• Young women who contributed to the war effort were given no recognition, as only women over 30 gained the vote in 1918