The UK's Women's Suffrage Movement began in the late 19th century, with advocates like John Stuart Mill and organizations like the NUWSS and WSPU pushing for women's voting rights. The movement saw a mix of moderate and militant tactics, leading to the Representation of the People Acts of 1918 and 1928, which granted women the vote.
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John Stuart Mill presented a petition to the British Parliament advocating for women's voting rights in 1866
The Women's Disabilities Removal Bill of 1871
The Women's Disabilities Removal Bill of 1871, which aimed to grant women the right to vote, was defeated in Parliament
Private Member's Bills for Women's Suffrage
Private member's bills advocating for women's suffrage were repeatedly introduced in Parliament but failed to gain enough support
From the 1880s, there was growing support for women's suffrage among members of different political parties in the House of Commons, but the House of Lords' opposition prevented any suffrage bills from being passed
The Primrose League and Women's Liberal Associations were among the groups that showcased women's political engagement, but did not prioritize suffrage
The National Society for Women's Suffrage, founded in 1867, was the first national group dedicated to the cause, but faced internal disagreements
The NUWSS, led by Millicent Fawcett, united various smaller groups under a moderate and peaceful approach to campaigning
The WSPU, led by Emmeline Pankhurst, embraced militant tactics such as hunger strikes, vandalism, and arson to draw attention to the suffrage cause
Many suffrage activists supported the war effort during World War I
The war led to women taking on traditionally male roles, challenging societal gender roles and perceptions of women's capabilities
The suspension of militant suffrage activities during the war and changing attitudes towards women paved the way for legislative reforms, including the Representation of the People Act of 1918
The Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act of 1928 extended the vote to all women and men over the age of 21 on an equal basis
Prominent suffrage leaders such as Emmeline Pankhurst and Millicent Fawcett played pivotal roles in the movement, using diverse tactics to advocate for women's voting rights
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Key legislative attempt for UK women's suffrage in 1871
Women's Disabilities Removal Bill, defeated in Parliament
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Common fate of private member's bills on women's suffrage
Repeated introduction, consistent failure due to lack of support
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Role of House of Lords in UK women's suffrage movement
Frequent opposition, blocked passage of suffrage bills
