Reformations

Suffragette

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, women banded together in the aims of gaining a social voice. They fought under a suffragette movement to gain the right for women to vote in public elections. They wanted to be respected in the workplace and in the community.

Emmeline Pankhurst is renowned for her work for the cause. She realised that the government weren’t listening so encouraged women to perform deeds to demand attention.

The suicide of Emily Davison was broadcast worldwide, which highlighted the severity of the situation in Britain at the time, especially as women in other countries could vote.

The campaign was suspended in 1914, when World War II erupted.

In 1918 Parliament passed an act in which women over the age of 30, who met certain qualifications could vote.

In 1928, all women could vote at the age of 21 and had electoral equality with men.

Socialism versus Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system in which the trade industry is privately owned. Owners control the production and distribution of goods for gross profit margins.

This system polarised the gap between the classes. Manufacturers made more money, whilst keeping their wages low. As a result, lower-class people were repressed and hindered from improving their social standing within society.

Many activists called for change from Capitalism towards Socialism.

They thought it was unfair that people were struggling and could not have access to basic necessities, because of their low rank on the ladder of hierarchy.

Socialism advocates the social organisation of production and distribution of goods. Workers would receive a wage that reflected their contribution to production. Plus, a welfare state, would mean that all people would benefit from social care and support regardless of their social status.

Members in the upper echelons of society were not in favour of such changes, because it would mean that they would have to pay higher taxes to support underprivileged people.