Suffragettes History Timeline and Biographies

1903

Foundation of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU)

Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in Manchester, UK. This organization marked the beginning of the militant Suffragette movement, aiming to secure women's voting rights through direct action.

1905

First Major Public Protest

Christabel Pankhurst and Annie Kenney were arrested for disrupting a Liberal Party meeting, marking the first major public protest by the Suffragettes. This event brought significant attention to their cause.

1908

Hyde Park Demonstration

The Suffragettes organized a massive rally in Hyde Park, London, where over 250,000 people gathered to demand women's suffrage. This demonstration showcased the growing support for the movement.

1909

Hunger Strikes Begin

Imprisoned Suffragettes, including Marion Wallace Dunlop, began hunger strikes to protest their treatment and demand political prisoner status. The government responded with force-feeding, drawing public sympathy for the Suffragettes.

1910

Black Friday

On November 18, 1910, known as Black Friday, a Suffragette protest outside the British Parliament was met with brutal police violence. This event highlighted the harsh treatment of women activists and intensified the campaign for suffrage.

1911

Census Night Protest

Suffragettes organized a boycott of the national census, encouraging women to avoid being counted as a form of protest against their lack of political representation.

1912

Widespread Civil Disobedience

The Suffragettes escalated their campaign with widespread civil disobedience, including window smashing and arson attacks, to pressure the government into granting women the vote.

1913

Death of Emily Davison

Emily Davison, a prominent Suffragette, died after stepping in front of King George V's horse at the Epsom Derby. Her death became a martyrdom for the Suffragette movement, drawing global attention to their cause.

1914

WWI and the Suspension of Militant Activities

With the outbreak of World War I, the Suffragettes suspended their militant activities to support the war effort. Many women took on roles traditionally held by men, demonstrating their capability and furthering the argument for women's suffrage.

1918

Representation of the People Act

The Representation of the People Act 1918 was passed, granting voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met minimum property qualifications. This was a significant victory for the Suffragettes, although it did not achieve full suffrage.

1928

Equal Franchise Act

The Equal Franchise Act 1928 was enacted, granting equal voting rights to men and women over the age of 21. This marked the culmination of the Suffragettes' struggle for voting equality in the UK.

1930

Legacy and Continued Advocacy

Former Suffragettes continued to advocate for women's rights, focusing on issues such as equal pay, education, and political representation, building on the legacy of their earlier achievements.

1958

Death of Emmeline Pankhurst

Emmeline Pankhurst, the leader of the Suffragettes, passed away. Her legacy as a pioneer of women's rights and suffrage continued to inspire future generations of activists.

1970

Revival of Suffragette History

The women's liberation movement of the 1970s revived interest in the Suffragettes, highlighting their contributions to the fight for gender equality and inspiring new waves of feminist activism.

2015

Suffragette Film Release

The film "Suffragette," starring Carey Mulligan and Meryl Streep, was released, bringing the story of the Suffragettes to a global audience and renewing public interest in their historical struggle.

2018

Centenary of Women's Suffrage in the UK

The UK celebrated the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, with numerous events and exhibitions honoring the Suffragettes and their pivotal role in securing women's right to vote.