The Crises Faced by the Liberals (1906-1914): Female Suffrage

What were the three crises faced by the Liberal government from 1906-1914?

The Suffrage Movement, strike action, the constitutional crisis and Ireland

When was the National Union of Women Suffrage Societies set up? What also happened that year?

1867-- the second big reform act (gave urban homeowners a vote)

What was the NUWSS like politically?

They were suffragists, so peaceful and parliamentary methods, moderate, include women and men

Who led the NUWSS?

Milicent Fawcett

How much did the NUWSS grow between 1902-1910?

It doubled in size

When was the Women's Social and Political Union set up?

1903

What was the slogan of the WSPU?

"Deeds not words"

What were the WSPU like politically?

They were suffragettes, so used methods of civil disobedience, protest, violence, antagonising politicians, radical

What were the years after the 1911 Conciliation Bill like for the suffrage movement?

The 'Wild Years' of civil disobedience due to Liberal inaction-- greater protests and violence

What was the Great Pilgrimage in 1913?

A big march with 50,000 women marching in Hyde Park (peacefully) for women's suffrage-- this was the suffragists

What was the 'Cat and Mouse Act'?

Women who would hunger strike in prison would be let out to regain health and then imprisoned again

How did the government's treatment of women in prison effect voters?

The government would force feed political prisoners, this was illiberal and shocked liberal voters

What were the main points of political progress for women by 1900?

1869 women can vote in council elections, 1870 women can be voted into school boards, women are active members of the Conservatives Primrose League and the Liberals Women's Political Federation-- HOWEVER no franchise in parliamentary elections

Liberal stance on female suffrage:

Asquith was reluctant to accept but DLG supported it, feared the strongly middle class movement would vote Conservative

Conservative stance on female suffrage:

Balfour and Bonar Law supported it, traditionalists against it, belief it would result in a working class vote

INP stance on female suffrage:

2 bills extending the franchise are stopped by the INP voting against

What did the Qualification of Women Act 1907 do?

It allowed women to be voted into local councils

When were the Liberals' three conciliatory bills for female suffrage attempted? Why did they fail?

1911, 1912 and 1913-- all fail ultimately because of party politics, government opposition to 1913 as a private members bill

What would the three conciliatory bills have achieved for women's suffrage?

Would've extended the franchise to 8% of women (wealthy ones)

What did the WSPU do politically because of the Cat & Mouse?

They moved to support Labour because of illiberal methods, this split the Liberals and undermined them

By 1914 what was Asquith's attitude towards female suffrage?

He was finally convinced of the need for female suffrage (amidst WW1) following years of 'wait and see' policy