The Steady Pressure by the Moderate Suffragists Was the Most Important Reason for the Achievement of Vote for Women in 1918 How Accurate Is This View?

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In 1918 after nearly sixty years of campaigning, some middle class women were granted the vote. It appeared that women had finally overcome societies prejudice and were now considered responsible and sensible enough to be trusted with the franchise. A study of this topic reveals that there was no single reason for women being given the vote. It is possible to identify both long and short term reasons and therefore multiple factors must be considered. The peaceful campaigning of the suffragists’ was a key factor in women receiving the vote. The suffragists’ started the whole route of women gaining the vote; they were the ever moving force behind the movement. However historian Martin Pugh suggests that “Suffragists would probably have done better to have made common cause with all unenfranchised men and women from the start and thereby they might have extended their appeal” because all men had not yet received the vote it was argued that women should not receive the franchise when it was not fully given to all men. However there were other contributing factors leading up to 1918 and women gaining the vote. They include the work of the suffragettes’ who caused chaos and grabbed the spotlight away from the suffragists’ after a group of women decided it was time to make a militant stand. Also woman’s work war work was a massive contribution to them gaining the vote, it showed that woman could work just as well as the men could and respect was gained. Women worked on the front line as bearers for the injured soldiers, this showed tremendous bravery and strength they also worked in the medical areas helping men recover or heal from their injuries. Finally the changing attitudes of the government and society helped women with their stand, the women’s persistence was important, they showed heart and character in continuing to maintain their support, time and effort to gain

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