The Women's Social and Political Union 1903-1914
Why did militancy decline?
violence became indiscriminate and threatened safety of public some wondered whether it alienated the public
Why didn't women yet the vote until 1918?
war so they suspended their campaigns militancy alienated loyalists, public and politicians
When was the WSPU formed and by who?
1903 Emmeline Pankhurst
When did the WSPU adopted a more militant tactic?
1905
Who began hunger striking and when?
1909, Wallace Dunlop
How did peaceful campaigning continue?
1911, joined a procession to honour King George V in their colours
When was the Epson Derby accident?
1913
What happened on Black Friday 18th Nov 1910?
300 suffragettes marched to HofC police were from poorer east end kicked them, twisted breasts, punched noses
What happened in Oct 1905?
Christabel and Annie Kenny interrupted speeches at an election rally and were ejected deliberately courted arrest-spat at policemen chose prison over fines
Where most of the members of the WSPU from?
affluent middle class families married to wealthy men
How did the WSPU use Emily Davidson?
as a martyr funeral became a huge precession
who ordered the increased violence?
at a local level
What is the WSPU criticised for?
being elitist
What was the result of the drafted bills?
both failed to become law
What were examples of of their militancy?
breaking windows, arson, letter burning, several houses burned down, bomb at railway station, telephone wires cut
Who were Frederick and Emmeline Pethwick-Lawrence?
financed much WSPU activity losing support due to militancy expelled by Christabel
What did the Conciliation Committee do?
gathered support for women across party lines drafted bill drafted another in 1911
Why was the 'Cat and Mouse Act' introduced?
govt didn't want suffragettes to be martyrs to the cause
What was the role of Herbert Asquith (PM)?
indicated it might be possible to extend franchise speaker of HoC contradicted him Asquith relieved
What was the result of Oct 1905?
more publicity attracted bigger audiences and membership rose
What was the argument for militancy?
never targeted people just property increased donations during militancy opposition of Liberal leaders-worried about electoral impacts of politics and they would vote Conservative
How many suffragettes were imprisoned between 1906 and 1914?
over 1000
Why was Sylvia expelled in 1914?
putting too much emphasis on working class issues
What were the reasons for increased militancy?
reaction to repressive measures of the govt peaceful protests weren't working 1911-miners called for violence and succeeded with demands
How did the government try to erode their sense of identity in prisons?
referred to by numbers ill fitting uniforms contact with outside limited
arguments against votes for women at the time
role is in the home-will neglect their family duties influence through husbands so don't need it don't fight in wars so shouldn't have the vote
Why did the Pankhursts become disillusioned with local Labour Party?
several male members lukewarm in support for women's suffrage building in memory of Emmeline's husband Richard only open to men 1903
arguments for votes for women at the time
some already vote in local elections some highly educated already have the vote in Australia
What were members of the NUWSS called?
suffragists
Organisation of the WSPU
top-down manner unelected Central Committee anyone could attend meetings little discussion local branches had considerable autonomy agreed on more militant tactics to be a strong fighting force
What justified the violence?
usually in response to government actions and rejection of bills etc
