The Effect of WW1 on the Suffragettes
History: KS3, topic 15.2.4
The Effect of WW1 on the Suffragettes
The campaign for women's suffrage was interrupted when war broke out in 1914.
Support for the war
- Both suffragists (NUWSS) and suffragettes (WSPU) supported the war effort.
- The differences between suffragists (NUWSS) and suffragettes (WSPU) were forgotten.
- There was no more suffragette violence but suffragettes subtly kept up the pressure for the vote.
Efforts during the war
- During the war, women took on a number of traditionally male occupations such as bus drivers.
- Factory workers, farmers, and clerks were other examples of male occupations.
- Women showed they were responsible, competent, and vital to the war effort.
- It became harder to argue against women’s suffrage due to their efforts in the war.
Test yourself on The Effect of WW1 on the Suffragettes
When was the campaign for women's suffrage interrupted by the war?