The First World War and Votes for Women

Description

Join Dr Naomi Paxton as she examines how the First World War impacted the women’s suffrage movement in Britain.

It’s a common misconception that the Votes for Women movement stopped during the First World War, and that the right to vote given to some women in 1918 was solely in recognition of their contribution to the war effort.

However, while it’s true that a few high-profile militant suffragette leaders did choose to step away when the war began, suffrage campaigning did not stop between 1914 and 1918.

Established networks of suffragist and suffragette activists used the initiative, confidence and creativity they had developed through their political agitation to support the war effort, founding organisations that employed women across a variety of industries, including toymaking, policing, nursing, and entertaining troops at home and abroad.

In this revealing talk, Dr Naomi Paxton will explore some of the ways women in wartime entered new professions and learned new skills, while also examining how cross-party conversations in Parliament led to the passing of the Representation of the People Act in 1918, which tripled the number of those eligible to vote in the UK.

Date

This event last took place on: Fri 10th Jan 2025

Location

National Army Museum
Royal Hospital Road
London
SW3 4HT

Prices

Contact and Booking Details

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Disclaimer

The information and prices in this listing are presumed to be correct at the time of publishing, but please always check with the venue before making a special trip.

All images are supplied by the exhibition organiser.