Suffragettes & Suffragists

The Suffragists contributed to some women gaining the vote in 1918. Revisionist historians such as Sandra Holton argue that pre- war suffrage campaigns were vital to women receiving the vote in 1918. Indeed, there is evidence to support the historians e.g. Robert Ensor who argue that the ‘propaganda’ of the Suffragists was beyond question. Overview of your argument.

The Suffragists contributed to some women gaining the vote in 1918. Evidence In 1907, they held processions such as the Mud march which attracted 3000 marchers, despite the heavy rain. Similarly, in 1913, the Women’s Pilgrimage was attended by 50,000. In 1910, they presented a petition of 250,000 signatures in support of female suffrage. Argument This was important in gaining votes for women because: It showed they had substantial support which helped them gain publicity and put pressure on the government. This meant that the government could no longer ignore the issue.

The Suffragists contributed to some women gaining the vote in 1918. Evidence They had male members and had 13,000 members and 500 branches nationwide. They also worked with politicians such as Campbell Bannerman who could introduce a potential voting bill. Argument This was important in gaining votes for women because: It meant women could spread their word on a much larger scale and gain further support. As early as 1912, they had achieved an ‘agreement in principle’ from a large number of MPs in support of women’s suffrage. They had large support from left wing MPs e.g. 300 ILP members attended the 1907 Mud March. Sandra Holton argues that this almost guaranteed that women would be included in a future reform bill.

The Suffragists were not solely responsible for women gaining the vote. HOWEVER, there were drawbacks to the contribution of the Suffragists and so they alone were not responsible for women gaining the vote in 1918. This is how you will signal BALANCE in your paragraph – by showing the other side of the argument!

The Suffragists were not the main reason for some women gaining the vote in 1918. Evidence It is very important to note that the Suffragists did not win votes for women despite four attempts to introduce a women’s suffrage bill to parliament. Loss of political support; Asquith (anti-suffrage) replaced Campbell Bannerman as PM. Argument This shows that the support from politicians was at best, lukewarm as MPs were unwilling to fully support them in parliament. Impossible to gain vote without support of those in power. Change in PM was major blow to Suffragists because it lost them their main link with the government.

The Suffragists were not the main reason for some women gaining the vote in 1918. Evidence Also, by 1905 the press were virtually ignoring them as their actions were less controversial than those of the Suffragettes. Argument The patient, legalistic approach of the Suffragists was easily ignored by public and government alike. Shows that the Suffragists had perhaps missed their opportunity and were being overtaken by the Suffragettes.

The Suffragists: Extra Evidence Spent £45,000 on publicity in 1913. Had 100,000 members.

ACTIVITY Using your notes, you will be completing an evidence and argument task – in your jotters. You must: Use detailed evidence (include key facts e.g. date/statistics) Use accurate arguments Select relevant historiography – you may summarise these.

The Suffragettes contributed to some women gaining the vote in 1918. Certainly, the WSPU did achieve publicity and media interest. They rejuvenated the campaign at a time when the Suffragist’s campaign was losing momentum, however, the publicity they gained often generated as much hostility as it did support. Richards and Hunt believe the militant actions of the WSPU hindered the campaign for women’s suffrage. However, there is evidence to suggest that the Suffragette campaign did contribute to a large extent. Overview of your argument.

The Suffragettes contributed to some women gaining the vote in 1918. Evidence Initially, the WSPU used peaceful methods to gain publicity e.g. leaflets, their newspaper ‘Votes for Women’ and marches and demonstrations. In the same year, they spent £1,000 on publicity for a demonstration in Hyde Park and in 1911, over 40,000 women were involved in the Women’s Coronation Procession, a joint march with the NUWSS. Argument This was important in gaining votes for women because evidence suggests these tactics had some success. For example, in 1908, a series of six meetings across the country attracted more than 25,000 women. The figures involved in these events indicate that the WSPU were important to bringing much needed publicity to their cause.

The Suffragettes contributed to some women gaining the vote in 1918. Evidence The WSPU were soon frustrated by their lack of progress and turned to militant tactics. 1912 to 1914 was known as the ‘Wild Period’ during which time, the Suffragettes were involved in for example; arson attacks, putting acid on golf courses and cutting phone lines. By 1914, 1000 Suffragettes had been imprisoned. Argument On the one hand, during the Wild Period, the issue of female suffrage was discussed daily in the newspapers and in parliament. At first, many newspapers even supported the actions of the WSPU as the Suffragists methods were practically ignored as they were dull in comparison.

The Suffragettes militant tactics may have hindered the campaign for women’s votes. Evidence Argument On the other hand, even though the Wild Period gained them publicity and media interest, some historians suggest that it generated as much hostility as it did support; even from within the organisation. Indeed, there was a reduction in membership due to women leaving the WSPU for the NUWSS.

The Suffragettes militant tactics may have hindered the campaign for women’s votes. Evidence Many of their activities brought negative attention, as demonstrated in 1910 on Black Friday, when 150 Suffragettes were hurt in violence outside Parliament and the Times called them ‘demented creatures’. Argument Tactics like this reduced the impact of the Suffragettes in gaining votes for women. Their activities during the ‘Wild Period’ further served to alienate their supporters. This is demonstrated by the Shepard cartoon, which depicts a mad, wild- looking woman (personifying a Suffragette) screaming in the face of a respectable looking woman who is responding ‘Help our cause? You’re its worst enemy!’

The Suffragettes militant tactics may have hindered the campaign for women’s votes. Evidence This is evidenced by the government putting a stop to the Conciliation Bill in 1912 and using Suffragette violence as their reason. Argument The ‘Wild Period’ also presented a barrier between the Suffrage campaign and the government because due to the terrorism of the Irish republicans the government could not been seen to give in to the militant terrorist actions of the WSPU.

The Suffragettes militant tactics may have hindered the campaign for women’s votes. Evidence Argument Historian Morrison criticises their targets, suggesting they were annoying rather than the cause of real problems for the government. Had they attacked economical areas such as docks and railways the government may have responded differently.

The Suffragettes: Extra Evidence When war was declared the government offered a £2000 grant to the WSPU if they would call off their campaign. Membership peaked in 1910 to 2000 David Lloyd George’s house was set on fire Death of Emily Davison (King’s horse) Authorities uncovered a plan to shoot the PM, Asquith in 1909. 14 Suffragettes placed under surveillance by Scotland Yard by 1912.

ACTIVITY 2 Using the same principles we are now accustomed to – you will complete an evidence and argument task. You must: Use detailed evidence. Use accurate argument.