Overview

The background to the campaign to secure women's voting rights

During the 19th century, suffragist groups organised peaceful, constitutional campaigns for the right to vote, including the lobbying of MPs

The use of petitions was another tactic employed by the suffragists to demonstrate support for their cause

After decades of peaceful campaigning to obtain the right to vote with very little progress made, it was decided by some women that deeds not words were needed and the suffragette movement began

The Women's Social and Political Union used militant tactics to fight for the vote with dramatic and often violent results

The outbreak of war in 1914 had a dramatic effect on women's lives and influenced the campaign for women's votes

Find out when the suffragists goal was finally achieved after a long and often violent struggle

The Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act of 1918 allowed women to stand as candidates and be elected as MPs

It was not until 1958 that women were finally allowed to sit in the Upper House