LEARNING INTENTIONSLEARNING INTENTIONS

• Explain the reasons that women did not get the vote in Britain until 1918 (and then 1928)

• Outline why women wanted the vote

Social attitudes - 1Social attitudes - 1

Before women gained the vote many people took the view that voting was not something women should be involved in.

They argued that women were too effeminate for the rough world of politics. Others claimed that women were too emotional – especially at certain times of the month - to be given the vote.

Social attitudes - 2Social attitudes - 2

Many also argued that there was no need for women to vote.

If a woman had a husband then she could express her view by influencing his vote. There was no need for her to have this right too.

Also as women did not fight in wars, some said they should not make decisions about them.

Men and the voteMen and the vote

It has also to be remembered that until 1918, one third of men did not have the vote either.

Given the dominant role of men in society, many people took the view that it would not be acceptable for a woman to be able to vote whilst a man could not.

Female attitudesFemale attitudes

Many women were against the idea of voting and said they would not use it even if given the right. They believed politics was no place for a woman.

Famously Queen Victoria was against a female franchise, arguing that women voting was a “mad, wicked folly”.

Belief in equalityBelief in equality

Women wanted the vote for the same reason as men – they wanted to be treated as equals in society.

If they did not have the vote, many women believed this made seem like less of a real person, and that voting would help change this.

Wanted more control Wanted more control over own livesover own lives

Many women had to live within the control of their husbands, and some had to deal with problems such as domestic abuse. Others had been abandoned by husbands and were the head of their house.

Gaining the vote would give them a feeling of power, and help to change these problems.

Wanted to influence Wanted to influence governmentgovernment

Women had to live with many of the major problems of the day, including extreme poverty.

Some believed that if they had the vote this would force the government to listen to their views and brings in laws to improve the lives of them and their families.

Class identityClass identity

Linked in with the desire to influence government was the growing belief in class politics.

Many working class women saw their men getting involved in political activities such as trade unions and the Labour Party.

They wanted to play a role too, and voting was one to do this.