In GCSE History students will learn about British society at different times. One era they will look at is from 1890-1918, and one topic covered will be the issue of votes for women.
British society changed radically in the early 20th Century. The issue of votes for women was a major political concern in the years leading up to the Great War. Women activists were divided over how to influence an apparently indifferent Parliament. Change, when it came, took many people by surprise.
Find out more about British society and the issue of votes for women by playing this quiz.
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You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Britain since c.1900 and the people's health
Constitutionally Victoria should not comment on live political issues, but we know her views as she didn't hesitate to tell courtiers and visitors what she thought
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This group attracted a large membership and had the field to itself until the founding of Emmeline Pankhurst's body in 1903
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The existence of two rival groups no doubt weakened the movement for women's votes
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There is no doubt that the existence of two separate groups weakened the campaign for women's franchise
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Hunger-strikers were traditionally dealt with by force-feeding, a gruesome process that required several prison staff and medics to insert a tube into the woman's stomach, until complete digestion had occurred. Releasing female prisoners temporarily into the community avoided this distasteful treatment
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The first women to enter the profession boosted the suffragette cause. If women can aspire to these high-powered jobs, it was argued, why should they not have the vote?
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This event aroused mixed emotions: everything from sympathy for Emily Davison to sympathy for the horse
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This argument within one family could have damaged the cause of women's votes. The outbreak of war in August 1914 put many current issues on ice - like the vote, Irish Home Rule, etc
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At the end of hostilities many women had to give up jobs to returning men, but nothing was likely to be quite the same again
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A new, more democratic atmosphere pervaded many parts of the Western World
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