Why, despite the suffragette activity, had women not gained the vote by the outbreak of the first world war?

One of the reasons why the women had not gained the vote by WW1 was simply because parliament didn't allow it. In the years before 1900, 15 bills for women's suffrage had been put forward to parliament by a group of women known as the suffragists. Each time, the bill failed.

Answered by hanna_cat on Feb 23, 2012 11:31 PM

By 1903, Ms Emmeline Pankhurst created organisation of women known as the suffragettes. One of the biggest reasons for creating it was people's views on equality of the sexes. The public felt that men were superior to women. Men of that era believed that women were irrational, second class and unsuitable. Part of a speech made by a Member of Parliament in 1913 stated that if women did gain the vote, it meant that most voters would be women. This was most probably typical of Parliament's views and as the government reflects public opinion, we can see why many men would be against giving the vote.

Answered by Shein_smith on Feb 24, 2012 12:30 AM

A major reason why the women did not gain the right to vote was because the issue was regarded as minor compared to others taking place at that time; the Labour party was encouraging the Liberals to make changes to the Trade Union Law, the Parliament Act of 1911 and the Irish Nationalists wanted a Home Rule Bill for Ireland.

Answered by Daniella564 on Feb 24, 2012 12:58 AM