Suffragette movement

Definition

The suffragette movement was a campaign in the late 19th and early 20th centuries advocating for women's right to vote, primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States. This movement was marked by the activism of women who fought against societal norms and legal barriers that denied them political participation. The suffragettes employed various tactics, including protests, civil disobedience, and hunger strikes, to draw attention to their cause and press for legislative changes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The suffragette movement gained significant traction in the early 20th century, with the WSPU adopting militant tactics to gain attention for women's voting rights.
2. Key events during this movement included protests such as the 1911 Women's Day march and the 1913 hunger strike led by Emmeline Pankhurst.
3. The term 'suffragette' was originally used derogatorily but was embraced by the activists themselves as a badge of honor.
4. In the UK, women over 30 gained the right to vote in 1918, while full suffrage was achieved in 1928 when women were granted equal voting rights with men.
5. The suffragette movement inspired similar movements around the world, contributing to global discussions about gender equality and women's rights.

Review Questions

• How did the suffragette movement use various tactics to advocate for women's voting rights?
  • The suffragette movement employed a range of tactics to advocate for women's voting rights, including public demonstrations, civil disobedience, and hunger strikes. Activists organized rallies and marches to raise awareness and garner support for their cause. They also engaged in more militant actions, such as vandalism and protests outside government buildings, which drew media attention and highlighted the urgency of their demands.
• Evaluate the impact of key figures like Emmeline Pankhurst on the suffragette movement's success.
  • Emmeline Pankhurst played a crucial role in shaping the suffragette movement through her leadership of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). Her strategic use of militant tactics and powerful speeches galvanized public support and brought national attention to women's suffrage. Pankhurst's determination and ability to mobilize women from various backgrounds were instrumental in achieving significant milestones, such as partial suffrage in 1918.
• Analyze how the achievements of the suffragette movement laid the groundwork for future women's rights movements globally.
  • The achievements of the suffragette movement were foundational for subsequent women's rights movements around the world. By successfully advocating for women's right to vote, they challenged entrenched societal norms and demonstrated the effectiveness of organized activism. The strategies developed during this time, such as grassroots organizing and direct action, influenced future movements seeking gender equality across various domains. As a result, the legacy of the suffragettes continues to resonate today, inspiring ongoing efforts for women's rights globally.

Related terms

suffrage: The right to vote in political elections, which was denied to women before the suffragette movement gained momentum.

women's rights movement:

A broader social and political movement aimed at achieving equality for women in various aspects of life, including legal rights, education, and employment.

Pankhurst family: A prominent family of activists in the suffragette movement, particularly Emmeline Pankhurst, who founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903.