The actions of Nellie Hall alocal (Birmingham) Suffragette - source related study.

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The actions of Nellie Hall a

 local (Birmingham) Suffragette

  1. Read source A. What does this suggest was the role of women in 1914?

Source A is a letter from a recruiting sergeant in Birmingham.  The letter is replying to an enquiry from Miss Nellie Hall to see if the army were taking on women.

“I am in receipt of your letter of the 17th inst:”

It was written 18th of November 1914, just 3 months after the start of the war, during Kitcheners recruitment drive.  Nellie hall was a famous, local Birmingham suffragette who had campaigned before the war but now was keen follower due to the suffragette’s movement towards the government.

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She had applied to be a soldier but this letter implies that women were not just needed, but not wanted either.  The recruitment officer is not rude towards this enquiry in the letter as this extract shows;

“I am in receipt of your letter of the 17th inst: and regret to inform

you that unfortunately there are no arrangements being made for women to

train for home defence, nor as far as I know are there likely to be.”

He takes this tone as not to alienate her, as he knows that she could be a useful ...

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