The model answer suggests that changes in attitudes towards women in British society played a crucial role in granting specific women the right to vote in 1918. Previously, women were subject to disrespect and undervaluation by society. However, during the 1900s, an increasing number of women started asserting themselves and striving to overcome their inferior status compared to men. This change became apparent with the emergence of the “New Women” concept, which resulted in higher female involvement in different occupations, improved educational opportunities, and increased political participation.
Contrary to popular beliefs, the notion of the “New Women” cannot be solely credited for women obtaining the right to vote. Women took matters into their own hands by establishing movements like Suffragists and Suffragettes to advocate for suffrage. These groups were tired of being neglected and deemed unworthy of voting rights. Furthermore, the rise of the “Reward Theory” during World War 1 also played a significant role. This theory acknowledged women’s active involvement in Britain’s war endeavors, assuming hazardous jobs that were traditionally held by men.
The changing views on women and the breakdown of the “separate spheres” in the 1900s had a significant impact on women’s suffrage. However, it was not the sole factor contributing to their achievement. Previously, women were restricted from earning their own wages and working. Yet, with the emergence of new job opportunities, particularly in “white collar” positions such as clerical or computing assistants in offices, women were able to improve themselves and pursue ambitions. Consequently, these jobs provided women with a sense of responsibility and opened up numerous opportunities.
The desire for women to improve their opportunities in society led to many of them seeking the extension of the franchise. Additionally, the introduction of compulsory education at the primary level ensured that both men and women had a foundational level of understanding. By 1914, 349 secondary or grammar schools had been opened specifically for women. Women-only colleges, such as Girton College established in 1869, further contributed to the education of women. As a result, they were no longer perceived as being too unintelligent to participate in voting.
Moreover, women’s involvement in Politics also contributed to the shifting attitudes towards them. The inclusion of women in local authority elections was a significant development. In 1869, women were granted the right to vote in Local council elections. Additionally, women were permitted to join the schools boards in 1870, and later in 1894, they were able to run as candidates in the Local elections. These advancements highlighted the potential for success that women could achieve if given opportunities. However, women remained frustrated that they were not trusted with participating in National elections.
Despite changes in attitudes towards women in British society impacting their voting rights, it wasn’t the sole reason for women receiving the right to vote by 1918. Women initiated suffrage movements and actively campaigned for their rights. The first movement, led by Millicent Fawcett, was known as the Suffragists. These campaigners aimed to demonstrate their worthiness for the vote through peaceful tactics, including regular meetings, distributing pamphlets, and lobbying supportive Members of Parliament to introduce bills on their behalf.
By 1919, the Suffragists had gained an impressive following of 50,000 supporters. Their dignified and well-organized demeanor left a lasting impression on countless individuals. Historian Martin Pugh suggests that even Lloyd George, one of the MPs, was influenced by the Suffragists. The peaceful approach they used to persuade others greatly strengthened their support. Moreover, shortly before World War I began, the Suffragists were in talks with the Government about their rights to vote.
Despite facing opposition from different groups, including Queen Victoria and working-class men, suffrage advocates persisted in their fight for the vote. This frustration led to the establishment of the Suffragettes, who campaigned from 1909 to 1914 under the motto “Deeds not Words.” They advocated for more forceful methods like smashing windows, pepper bombing, and setting fire to pillar boxes. Their ultimate objective was to achieve recognition and voting rights across Britain.
The death of Emily Davison, one of the dedicated followers, led to the Hunger campaign, resulting in force feeding in prisons as the members refused to eat while imprisoned. As a result, the Temporary Discharge Act in 1912, also known as the “Cat and Mouse Act,” was enacted. Consequently, the Suffragettes gained considerable publicity and sympathy for women’s suffrage, as women were either dying or experiencing immense pain due to their beliefs. This also exerted pressure on politicians to appease women.
Despite aiming to secure voting rights for women, the Suffragette movement faced backlash from men due to their violent methods and questionable actions. This negative response created a perception that they did not deserve suffrage. Historian Martin Pugh explains that unintentionally, the Suffragettes hindered progress by alienating Members of Parliament (MPs). In 1912, 222 MPs opposed them after an attack, serving as evidence of this impact. However, both the Suffragists and Suffragettes played important roles in making women’s suffrage a significant political issue and raising awareness for their cause.
Although they did not gain the right to vote, both the Suffragists and Suffragettes had a profound impact on shaping the concept of the “new women.” Their activism provided women with a unique platform for self-expression that would have otherwise been inaccessible. Moreover, their efforts during World War I gave rise to what is known as the “Reward Theory.” Both groups demonstrated their patriotism by temporarily suspending their campaigns and wholeheartedly supporting the war, which led them to redirect their previously concentrated efforts towards contributing to wartime initiatives.
In 1915, the Suffragettes held a pro war rally where 30,000 women passionately demanded “The Women’s Right to Serve”. Simultaneously, the “White Feather” campaign was initiated. These actions highlighted women’s unwavering commitment to support their country during the war. Women courageously took on perilous occupations previously reserved for men, such as munitions work (with 819,000 women being employed in this field). Unfortunately, these jobs had severe health risks, as demonstrated by the tragic explosion at the Silvertown factory in East London, which claimed hundreds of lives.
The work provided women with a level of freedom as they earned their own wages. This enabled them to have more fulfilling jobs and, most importantly, fueled their determination to secure the right to vote, as they had no desire to return to their previous pre-war lifestyle. According to historian Arthur Marwick, men who worked alongside women witnessed their capability for hard work and developed a newfound respect for them. Moreover, newspaper headlines began highlighting women as “heroines,” and posters titled “The Nation Thanks the Women” proliferated throughout Britain.
This meant that legislation could now be passed as politicians were able to portray women as “heroines” rather than succumbing to violence. However, there is a strong argument that the existence of the “Reward Theory” is nonexistent. Paula Bartley, another historian, sarcastically views the right to vote as a “Strange Reward” since it was not granted to women involved in war work. The vote was only given to women aged thirty or above, who had contributed little to the war effort. Martin Pugh also suggests that the “votes for women” movement was already gaining momentum even before the war.
In comparison to New Zealand, Australia, or Canada, Britain did not want to appear undemocratic. According to Bartley, pre-war suffrage campaigns were highly visible. Unlike France, where women did assist in the war but did not attain the right to vote, there was no suffrage movement like the Suffragists or Suffragettes. As a result, French women had to wait until 1945 to gain the vote since there was no campaign pressuring politicians. Pugh argues that attributing women’s war effort as the primary reason for gaining the vote would be too simplistic.
Prime Minister Asquith acknowledged that women’s role in the war and their perceived worthiness of suffrage were significant factors in the passage of legislation by 1918. However, it is important to note that the change in attitudes towards women before the war was not the only factor. In conclusion, there was a noticeable shift in societal opinions about women prior to the war, but other factors also played a role in granting them voting rights by 1918. For example, women’s improved education and their demonstrated abilities in new white-collar jobs and local politics contributed to their increased perception as deserving of voting rights.
On the other hand, the Suffrage movements put the issue of votes for women on the political map. The Suffragists gained support, including that of many MPs, through their dignified methods of protest. The Suffragettes gained a mass amount of support from the hunger strikes and gained a lot of sympathy and publicity for the cause. Also, as argued by historian Marwick’s Reward Theory, women received the vote in 1918 as a ‘thank-you’ for their work in WW1. Overall, changing attitudes towards women prior to WW1 was one reason for women receiving the vote but it is also evident that the suffrage movements and WW1 had a role to play.
