What were some of the major milestones achieved by the Suffragettes?

History The Suffragette Movement Questions Medium



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What were some of the major milestones achieved by the Suffragettes?

The Suffragette Movement, which fought for women's right to vote, achieved several major milestones throughout its history. Some of these milestones include:

1. Formation of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU): In 1903, Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters founded the WSPU, a militant suffragette organization. This marked a significant milestone as it brought together women from different backgrounds and provided a platform for their activism.

2. Mass demonstrations and protests: Suffragettes organized numerous demonstrations and protests to raise awareness and demand voting rights for women. One of the most notable events was the 1913 Women's Suffrage Procession in Washington D.C., where thousands of suffragettes marched for their cause.

3. Hunger strikes and force-feeding: Suffragettes resorted to hunger strikes while imprisoned to protest their unjust treatment. The government's response of force-feeding these women drew public attention to their cause and generated sympathy for their struggle.

4. Representation of the People Act 1918: This milestone came after years of relentless campaigning by suffragettes. The act granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications. Although not complete suffrage, it was a significant step forward.

5. Equal Franchise Act 1928: This act finally granted equal voting rights to women over the age of 21, regardless of property qualifications. It marked a major milestone in the suffragette movement, ensuring that women had the same voting rights as men.

6. Inspiring future generations: The suffragette movement left a lasting impact on women's rights and inspired future generations of activists. Their determination and sacrifices paved the way for further advancements in gender equality.

These milestones highlight the progress made by the suffragettes in their fight for women's suffrage, ultimately leading to significant changes in voting rights and societal attitudes towards gender equality.