Why did a campaign for women's suffrage develop in the years after 1870?

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Edward Eaton

History Coursework Assignment 1

Votes for Women c.1900-28

1. Why did a campaign for women’s suffrage develop in the years after 1870?

Due to educational and property reforms, women gained many of the civil and legal liberties previously exclusive to the male population, and although women could hold professional employment, the inevitable franchise was delayed by repeated failure of bills, leading to frustration and creation of women’s suffrage groups.  

Before the late nineteenth century, women were expected to become mothers and stay in the domestic sphere, looking after the home and children. The husband, usually the breadwinner would have many more rights such as health insurance and property ownership. Working class women were also restricted to low-paying textile factory jobs or domestic service. Due to educational reforms in 1870 and 1890, elementary education was now available to all women, and employment areas were also opened. By 1901, there were 172,000 female school teachers and 212 women doctors. Although many women were paid less than male counterparts, this increase in educated, professional women created a higher recognition for women’s potential political power. Women could vote in school board, district and borough elections by 1900. Many people, male and female felt that as there were many successful women in respected posts, the gain of franchise was inevitable. The rise in the amount of middle class, educated women meant that collective organisation was possible, and groups for women’s suffrage were called for.

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In 1867 and 1884 there were reform acts, meaning working class men in cities and counties were given the vote. Although the right to vote was still subject to the same property qualification and householder terms, men were no longer discriminated against by class and standing. Before 1870 onwards, women lost their property to their husbands when married. As legal status was linked to property, it was argued that married women were not entitled to the franchise. The property acts of 1870, 1882 and 1893 ended this loss of property to husbands, as this was linked to the franchise, ...

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