Why Did Women Want the Vote Source A

Why Did Women Want the Vote

• Source A Moffat News 17 Sept 1909 “Miss Mc. Phun, M. A. , was the principal speaker. She drew attention to the fact of the enormous importance of the vote to men, especially to working men. Every reform they had been able to secure, every protection in regard to wages and hours of labour had been brought about by their possession of the vote. ” 1. According to Miss Mc. Phun how had the possession of the vote helped working class men? 2. Why did Miss Mc. Phun want votes for women?

Woman’s Suffrage • Some women campaigned for improvements in women’s lives throughout the 19 th Century. • Around 1850 some women began to campaign for votes for women • The Glasgow branch of the National Society for Women’s Suffrage opened in 1870

The Suffragists • In 1897 hundreds of these groups got together to form one national organisation. • It was called the National Union of Woman’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) • It’s leader was Millicent Fawcett, and they became known as Suffragists • They believed the best way to win the vote was to convince people through peaceful campaigning

• Suffragists used the following tactics: • Passing out leaflets • Holding meetings where speakers spoke to the crowd about votes for women • Organising petitions • Trying to persuade politicians of the need for votes for women • Helping candidates who supported them in elections • Organising massive processions and demonstrations