The Steady Pressure by the Moderate Suffragists Was the Most Important Reason for the Achievement of Votes for Women by 1918. How True Is This Statement?

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The enfranchisement of many women over 30 in 1918 was the result of a long and difficult struggle by many to achieve equality for women. The ruthless and peaceful campaigning of the Suffragists made a great contribution to this triumph. However, some people believe it was other factors that impacted on the votes for women in 1918. The Suffragettes efforts to win the votes for, and change attitudes towards women cannot be ignored. The Great War also cannot be overlooked as women made a huge contribution to their country during the war, and many believe we could not have won the war without women. Gaining political advantage was another factor that may have caused the votes for women. The fear of communism also played a part in getting women the vote. Before 1918 women were seen as second class citizens and incapable of voting. When they were married all of their belongings would go to the husband and they were then expected to stay at home and do the housework, when the men would be out working. If women tried to get into politics they would be accused of neglecting their families. As of this more women started to chose getting a job rather than getting married, they faced unequal pay and dreadful working conditions. It was seen that women didn’t need the vote as their husbands, brothers and fathers made the decision on their behalf. The women Chartists that had supported men to get the vote felt very let down. Male criminals could vote yet female doctors, factory workers and mothers couldn’t. One of the most significant contributions to the achievement of votes for women in 1918 was made by the Suffragists. Female suffrage societies were firstly developed in more middle and upper class areas like London, Manchester and Edinburgh. They started because of their disappointment of the 1867 Reform Act when it failed to include women. They used their education, wealth

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