Women's Social and Political Union

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Pankhurst Centre 1

Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) was a suffragette organization founded in 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters Christabel and Sylvia Pankhurst. It was established to campaign for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom, specifically the right for women to vote in parliamentary elections. The WSPU was notable for its militant tactics, including civil disobedience, hunger strikes, and even arson.

Formation and Objectives

The WSPU was formed in response to the slow progress of the women's suffrage movement in the UK. Emmeline Pankhurst, frustrated with the peaceful and gradualist tactics of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), decided to create a separate organization. The WSPU's motto, "Deeds, not words," reflected its commitment to direct action and civil disobedience to achieve its goals.

Tactics and Campaigns

The WSPU organized numerous public demonstrations, marches, and acts of civil disobedience. Members, known as suffragettes, were encouraged to smash windows, deface artwork, and engage in other forms of protest to draw attention to their cause. These actions often led to arrests, and many suffragettes, including Emmeline Pankhurst, served time in prison. The WSPU also pioneered the use of hunger strikes as a form of protest, leading to the controversial practice of force-feeding by prison authorities.

Public and Government Response

The militant tactics of the WSPU were met with mixed reactions from the public and the government. While some supported the suffragettes' cause, others condemned their methods. The government's response was often harsh, with many suffragettes subjected to imprisonment and force-feeding. The Cat and Mouse Act of 1913, officially known as the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill Health) Act, was introduced as a way to manage the hunger-striking suffragettes without causing them to become martyrs.

World War I and Aftermath

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 led to a suspension of militant suffragette activities. The WSPU shifted its focus to supporting the war effort, with many members becoming involved in war work. After the war, the representation of the People Act 1918 granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications. This was seen as a partial victory for the suffrage movement, and in 1928, the voting age for women was lowered to 21, equal to that of men.

Legacy

The WSPU played a crucial role in the fight for women's suffrage in the UK. Its militant tactics and the sacrifices made by its members brought significant attention to the suffrage movement, contributing to the eventual success of the cause. The organization's history is remembered as a key chapter in the broader struggle for women's rights and equality.

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