The Effect of World War I on British Women's Rights

In conclusion I would have to disagree with the statement in the question, because women have obviously tried in a variety of ways to make sure they could get the vote. The war was definitely a stepping stone towards the final goal of female suffrage, but it was not the only reason.

Other factors were far more important, such as the suffrage movement and other reasons. Thus the war was a catalyst in which eventually the government was forced to give women the vote. The suffrage movement was far more superior in gaining the vote for women because it led the way for the emancipation. In the 1900's the philosophy of separate spheres was so strong it dictated how women were treated. Women were seen as the underlings, the inferior sex in society.

The Effect of the First World War on Women's Rights By 1918, when the war had ended, there had been a change of attitude towards women and the right to vote. The Representation of the People Act gave the vote to some women and before the war all attempts by the women's movement to get the vote passed through Parliament had failed. Therefore, the work done by women in the war (1914-1918) proved to be very important in bringing about the change of attitudes towards women and allowing some to vote. The work done by women in the war was a short-term reason. Attitudes towards women and giving them the vote had been changing for a long time before this.

Because some women were indifferent in regards to suffrage, they set back those who were working towards the greater good of the nation. However, the suffragettes were able to overcome these obstacles by altering their tactics, while still maintaining their objective. In 1869, two organizations for the promotion of women’s suffrage were founded with different opinions on how to reach the same goal. The National Women’s Suffrage Association (NWSA) was headed by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. This group opposed the 15th amendment, while suggesting the passage and ratification of another, new amendment, specifically granting women the right to vote.

The Pioneers of Womens Suffrage Are women really inferior to men? Of course not, but this is the mindset that has been a part of the world since the beginning. For a long time, even women did not believe that they measured up to men. In her book Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen wrote, "A women, especially, if she have the misfortune of knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can (Gurko 1974, 5)." Beginning in the early 1900's, though, women began to want changes in society.

The Effects of World War One on British Women “Without The First World War British Women Would Not Have Gained The Right To Vote In 1918” I disagree with the statement that, if it were not for the War, women would never have gained the right to vote. Between 1900 and 1914 the many Female movements applied a vast amount of pressure on the Government. Making British women’s suffrage inevitability rather than a possibility. The reason why they did achieve the vote in 1918 was not because of the Suffragette or Suffragist movements, neither was it solely because of the female involvement in the War. Rather that it is unjustifiable to not allow someone mentally capable a say in politics, when politics affects their way of life.

Emmeline Pankhurst was a very important woman suffragist from Great Britain who led the suffrage movement with solid ruling and unique tactics. Her uses of tactics were more major and aggressive than the ways used by the people before her. She believed that women voters should be able to help resolve things such as poverty. She attacked a government that viewed property more than rights. She pointed out that men and women shared equally important responsibilities in society and tried to reduce inequality by improving women’s political rights.

Factors Leading to Women's Suffrage I personally think that it was not only the war that got women the vote, but it was a large factor. An argument against this is that other issues post war and suffragette activity that gained women the vote. When war broke out it had a huge impact on Britain economically and politically. Industry Trade Unions became extremely powerful and a woman voting was at the bottom of the government’s list of priorities. During the war, women played a huge part and showed great patriotic support.

This group of women was known as Suffragists, women who didn’t believe in using extreme methods. The Suffragists tried peaceful methods but failed to get women the vote. This was because nobody toke any notice of peaceful methods. This is why women failed to get the vote to right to vote between 1900 and 1914. People of he early 20th century didn’t want any changes, a lot of people were happy with the way things were.

Although this controversy in the short term could perhaps be seen to delay the implementation of women’s suffrage, combined with the rest of their campaigning, the respect they received during World War 1 and the political situation of the country. The passionate protests by women in fact played a part, and helped ensure the granting of suffrage to women in Great Britain in January of 1918. Women’s struggle for rights and equality started long before it had any noticeable effect, near the beginning of the 19th Century. In 1832, an unmarried property owner named Mary Smith petitioned Parliament, urging the inclusion of women with property to be privileged to be allowed to vote for members of Parliament. The House of Commons laughed at her proposed idea, a reaction which would be repeated many times over.