What were some of the key events and protests organized by the Suffragettes?

History The Suffragette Movement Questions Medium



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What were some of the key events and protests organized by the Suffragettes?

The Suffragette Movement, which fought for women's right to vote, organized numerous key events and protests throughout its history. Some of the notable ones include:

1. The Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) Formation: In 1903, Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters founded the WSPU, a militant suffragette organization that aimed to achieve women's suffrage through direct action and civil disobedience.

2. The Black Friday Protest: On November 18, 1910, suffragettes organized a peaceful protest outside the Houses of Parliament in London. However, the demonstration turned violent when the police forcefully arrested and assaulted the protesters, leading to the term "Black Friday."

3. The Epsom Derby Protest: In June 1913, Emily Wilding Davison, a suffragette, stepped onto the racetrack during the Epsom Derby and was fatally struck by King George V's horse. Her act of protest and sacrifice brought international attention to the suffragette cause.

4. The Cat and Mouse Act: In response to hunger strikes by suffragettes while imprisoned, the government passed the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill Health) Act in 1913. This act allowed suffragettes to be released when their health deteriorated due to hunger strikes, only to be re-arrested once they had recovered.

5. The Suffrage Pilgrimage: In 1913, the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) organized a peaceful six-week-long march from various parts of the UK to London. The pilgrimage aimed to demonstrate the widespread support for women's suffrage and gather public attention.

6. The "Night of Terror": In November 1917, suffragettes imprisoned in the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia, USA, were subjected to brutal treatment by prison guards. This incident, known as the "Night of Terror," highlighted the harsh conditions suffragettes faced while fighting for their rights.

7. The Representation of the People Act 1918: Although not a protest, this act was a significant milestone for the suffragette movement. It granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications, marking the first time women were allowed to vote in the UK.

These events and protests organized by the Suffragettes played a crucial role in raising awareness, challenging societal norms, and ultimately contributing to the achievement of women's suffrage in various countries.