Suffragettes
Definition
Women activists who fought for female voting rights in the early twentieth century through militant and non-militant campaigns.
Explanation
The suffragettes, led by figures like Emmeline Pankhurst, campaigned vigorously for women's right to vote during the early 1900s. They used various tactics including petitions, marches, civil disobedience, and property damage to draw attention to their cause. The campaign was interrupted by World War I, but after the war, women over 30 gained the vote in 1928, and the voting age for women was equalized with men. The suffragettes' struggle is seen as a crucial milestone in women's rights and democracy in the UK.
Why this matters for your test
The suffragettes are an important part of British history and demonstrate the evolution of democracy and women's rights in the UK.
Source: Life in the UK Test (2025)