Suffragette Movement

Definition

The suffragette movement was a campaign in the late 19th and early 20th centuries advocating for women's right to vote, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. This movement is characterized by its use of civil disobedience and militant tactics to draw attention to the cause of women's suffrage, challenging societal norms and legal barriers that prevented women from participating in the democratic process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The suffragette movement gained momentum in the late 1800s, with women organizing rallies, protests, and other forms of activism to demand voting rights.
2. Suffragettes often faced violent opposition from authorities, including imprisonment, hunger strikes, and force-feeding as they protested for their rights.
3. The phrase 'deeds not words' became a rallying cry for many suffragettes, highlighting their commitment to action over mere discussion in advocating for suffrage.
4. Major milestones in the suffragette movement included the 1918 Representation of the People Act in the UK, which granted limited voting rights to women over 30, and the 19th Amendment in the US, ratified in 1920, which granted women the right to vote.
5. The movement laid the groundwork for future feminist movements and continues to influence discussions around gender equality and women's rights today.

Review Questions

• How did civil disobedience play a role in the suffragette movement, and what were some specific actions taken by suffragettes?
  • Civil disobedience was a key strategy employed by suffragettes to highlight their fight for voting rights. They organized protests, marches, and even acts of vandalism to bring attention to their cause. Notable actions included hunger strikes and chaining themselves to railings, which aimed to create public awareness and pressure authorities into granting women suffrage.
• Discuss the impact of Emmeline Pankhurst on the suffragette movement and her approach towards achieving women's voting rights.
  • Emmeline Pankhurst was instrumental in shaping the suffragette movement through her leadership and founding of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). Her approach emphasized militant tactics, encouraging women to engage in civil disobedience and direct action. Pankhurst's relentless efforts brought national attention to the issue of women's suffrage and inspired countless women to join the movement.
• Evaluate how the strategies used by the suffragette movement reflected broader societal changes regarding women's roles in the early 20th century.
  • The strategies employed by the suffragette movement mirrored significant shifts in societal views on women's roles during the early 20th century. As women increasingly sought equality in education, employment, and social status, their push for voting rights became a pivotal aspect of this transformation. The combination of civil disobedience and organized activism reflected a growing assertiveness among women, signaling a departure from traditional gender roles and paving the way for future movements advocating for gender equality.

Related terms

Women's Suffrage: The right of women to vote in elections, which became a central focus of the suffragette movement.

Civil Disobedience:

The active refusal to obey certain laws or demands of a government as a form of peaceful protest, often employed by suffragettes to advocate for their rights.

Emmeline Pankhurst: A prominent British suffragette leader who founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and played a crucial role in mobilizing women for the suffrage movement.