![]() The Franchise Bill they fought for (and won) in 1918 only allowed women to vote when they reached age 30. It would be 1928 before British women finally won the right to vote on the same basis as men (at age 21). In their struggle to be recognized as political prisoners (and for general improvements in prison conditions), the women frequently engaged in hunger strikes when they were arrested. Prior to finding this book I was unaware of Queen Victoria’s absolute opposition to equal rights for women, nor the brutal and punitive forced nasogastric feeding imposed on suffragettes in prison. There were also splits between women who engaged in property destruction (window breaking, fire setting and bombings) and those who advocated non-violence. Much of the dissension arose because of class differences – often the solidly upper middle class leadership was out of touch with the thinking and needs of working women. ![]() I have read many books about the Suffragettes and this is one I regard highly, it gives a well researched overview of all the key events and the movers and shakers so if you are studying the subject, it is a valuable resource. It also highlights interpersonal and political conflict that arose in the movement. 100 years on now since women got the vote in England. ![]() As it relies on letters, diaries and newspaper accounts, it brings to light the individual personalities of various suffragette leaders and men who supported them. ![]() This is a somewhat unconventional account of the 100 year battle British women fought to win the vote. ![]() Suffragettes: The Fight for Votes for Women ![]()
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