Dbq Enfranchisement Of Women

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The late 19th century and early 20th century brought the campaign for the enfranchisement of women in Britain. During this time, women were viewed as third class citizens who were there to produce children and upkeep a household. Their thirst for equality arose in the 1860s when further extending the franchise of men was placed back upon the political agenda. They did create some emancipation as they were allowed to run for and vote in local school board elections but this was not enough - they deserved equality with men. The women therefore decided to fight for their rights, In 1867, the Liberal MP, John Stuart Mill, proposed the enfranchisement of women o the same terms as men. Although this was rejected, it changed the face of society and …show more content…

However, this vote was not brought about easily. Their contribution at war was fairly important in gaining them the vote because it placed women in a good light before the government. Some historians ,such as Martin Pugh, have counter-arguments however as they believe the war postponed the vote rather than expedited it. The most important reason was changing society as ,due to the platform of war and suffrage campaigns, the role of women changed as their traditional role was trampled by new opportunities in education and drive in politics which allowed men to realise they were worthy of the vote. Another factor which contributed to equality in franchise was the work of suffrage societies- The Women’s Social and Political Union which was made up of militant suffragettes and the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies which consisted of more peaceful suffragists, Universal enfranchisement of women from 1893 also supported Britain’s decisions to include women in the electoral …show more content…

Therefore, their contribution at war was a fairly important factor although some argue that their contribution should not be given as much recognition as the resounding factor for their enfranchisement. The international situation ,as Europe began to edge towards a world war, drowned out the women’s fight for equality. In terms of timing, the war came at a time where suffragettes were heightening their militancy and so the war allowed a platform for them to prove their devotion for their country and that they were worthy of the vote. The women initially took a pacifist stance with many setting up various anti-war demonstrations. However, as the war went ahead, both campaigns began to support the war. It was the diversion of passion from the militant feminists which was most dramatic. The leader of the WSPU ,Emmeline Pankhurst, was anti-German and very patriotic and so dropped her campaign. This decision was supported by the Home Secretary who released militant prisoners. This showed compromise between the government and women which stood them in good stead for gaining the vote. The political reconciliation began the road to enfranchisement for women and highlighted even the most radical suffragettes were willing to abandon their own fight and fight for their country. This highlighted they believed

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