Opposition Intensifies

• The suffrage movement had always faced opposition but this intensified when the suffragettes became more militant.

• There were a number of methods used but one of the most popular and effective way was through posters.

• Anti-suffragettes posters attacked the suffragettes in a number of ways.

• Go through the posters and describe how it is attacking the suffragettes.

Presentation Questions

• 1) How are the sources trying to attack the suffragette movement?

• 2) How effective do you think the sources are? Which one is most effective and why?

1911: A breakthrough?

• In 1911 the government promised a Conciliation Bill.

• The bill was going to allow a large number of women to have the vote. It received all- party support.

• The suffragettes suspended militant action and the suffragists held 4000 meetings over 140 days.

• It looked as though success was just around the corner.

• Then Asquith dropped the bill – the suffragists and suffragettes were furious!

The Suffragist response

• How do you think they reacted?

• 1) A group of suffragists went to see the Prime Minister to persuade him to change his mind.

• 2) The suffragists also decided to support the Labour Party at the next election (they were the only party committed to female suffrage).

• 3) They organised a peaceful pilgrimage form Carlisle to London involving thousands of suffragists.

• 4) They also offered free membership to working women.

The suffragette response

• How do you think they reacted?

• 1) They smashed windows, set fire to post boxes, bombed churches, damaged cricket pitches and golf courses. Art galleries closed after they slashed valuable paintings.

• 2) Many were arrested – in jail they protested by going on hunger strike. The government responded by force feeding protesters.

• This was brutal and degrading and won sympathy for the suffragettes.

• 3) Then in June 1913 came the most publicised protest of all – the death of Emily Davison.

Emily Davison• 1) What are you thoughts on

this case study?

• 2) How does source 13 highlight that the views towards women have not changed? Look at the language used.

• 3) How does the suffragette interpret the event? Source 14 and 15

• 4) How do you think people would have reacted? Did this do any good for the campaign?