WSPU

Definition

The WSPU, or Women's Social and Political Union, was a militant organization in the United Kingdom founded in 1903 that fought for women's suffrage. The WSPU is known for its radical tactics, including protests, hunger strikes, and civil disobedience, which were aimed at drawing attention to the demand for women's right to vote. The organization's motto, 'Deeds, not words,' encapsulated its commitment to direct action and the urgency of their cause.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The WSPU was founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters, Christabel and Sylvia, as a response to the slower pace of reform within the more moderate suffrage movements.
2. The organization's use of aggressive strategies included window-smashing, arson, and protests outside Parliament, which garnered significant media attention.
3. Members of the WSPU faced arrests and imprisonment, leading many to undertake hunger strikes as a form of protest against their treatment by authorities.
4. The WSPU organized large-scale events such as 'Women’s Sunday' in 1908, which attracted thousands of supporters and emphasized their demands for voting rights.
5. In 1918, the efforts of the WSPU and other suffrage organizations culminated in some women gaining the right to vote in Britain, although it would take another decade for full equality.

Review Questions

• How did the tactics employed by the WSPU differ from those used by other suffrage organizations in their fight for voting rights?
  • The WSPU distinguished itself from other suffrage organizations by adopting militant tactics that included protests, hunger strikes, and acts of civil disobedience. Unlike more moderate groups that sought reform through peaceful advocacy, the WSPU believed that direct action was necessary to bring attention to their cause. This approach was reflected in their motto 'Deeds, not words,' emphasizing their commitment to aggressive strategies to achieve women's suffrage.
• Discuss the impact of Emmeline Pankhurst's leadership on the WSPU's strategies and public perception during the suffrage movement.
  • Emmeline Pankhurst's leadership had a profound impact on the WSPU's strategies and public perception. She was instrumental in promoting radical tactics that were seen as bold and controversial at the time. Pankhurst's passionate speeches energized supporters and brought significant media attention to the movement. Her determination to fight for women's suffrage changed how society viewed women's activism, transforming it into a more visible and urgent cause.
• Evaluate how the actions of the WSPU influenced legislation regarding women's voting rights in Britain after World War I.
  • The actions of the WSPU significantly influenced legislation regarding women's voting rights following World War I. Their militant campaigns and relentless advocacy brought attention to the issue, contributing to a growing public awareness of women's suffrage. After the war, this culminated in the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted voting rights to women over 30 who met certain property qualifications. Although not all women gained equal voting rights at this time, the groundwork laid by the WSPU helped pave the way for further advancements in women's suffrage.

Related terms

Suffragette: A term used to describe women who campaigned for the right to vote in the early 20th century, particularly those who were part of the WSPU and engaged in militant tactics.

Emmeline Pankhurst: The co-founder of the WSPU and a prominent leader in the women's suffrage movement, known for her passionate speeches and strategic planning for the organization’s campaigns.

Suffragist: A term referring to individuals who advocated for women's suffrage through peaceful means, in contrast to the militant approach of the WSPU and its members.