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