National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies

National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies
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Formation	1897
Type	Women's suffrage organization
Headquarters	London, United Kingdom
Membership	N/A
Language	N/A
Leader title	President
Leader name	Millicent Fawcett
Website	N/A

The National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) was an influential organization in the women's suffrage movement in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1897, it played a crucial role in advocating for women's right to vote through peaceful and legal means.

History

The NUWSS was established by the merger of various local women's suffrage societies, with the aim of creating a unified front to campaign for women's voting rights. The organization was led by Millicent Fawcett, a prominent suffragist who believed in non-violent protest and constitutional methods to achieve political change.

Objectives

The primary objective of the NUWSS was to secure the right to vote for women on the same terms as it was granted to men. The organization focused on lobbying Members of Parliament, organizing public meetings, and distributing literature to raise awareness about women's suffrage.

Methods

Unlike the more militant Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), the NUWSS adopted a peaceful approach to campaigning. They organized petitions, held rallies, and worked to gain the support of influential politicians. The NUWSS also collaborated with other reformist groups to broaden their impact.

Achievements

The efforts of the NUWSS contributed significantly to the eventual success of the women's suffrage movement in the UK. Their persistent campaigning helped to shift public opinion and paved the way for the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications.

Legacy

The legacy of the NUWSS is evident in the progress made towards gender equality in the UK. The organization's commitment to peaceful advocacy set a precedent for future civil rights movements and highlighted the power of organized, non-violent protest.

See also

• Women's suffrage in the United Kingdom
• Millicent Fawcett
• Women's Social and Political Union
• Representation of the People Act 1918

External links

• [Link to relevant external resources]