The suffragettes
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why some women were frustrated at the lack of progress of the NUWSS and why the more radical WSPU was formed.
Key learning points
- Some suffragists were becoming disillusioned with the lack of progress made by the NUWSS.
- In 1903 the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) was formed by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters.
- The WSPU employed more radical tactics, such as large demonstrations.
- The aims of the WSPU became more conservative, only aiming to vote on the same terms as men.
- The actions of the WSPU became more violent from 1906.
Keywords
Suffrage - the right to vote
Suffragist - a person advocating for the extension of the right to vote; especially to women
Suffragette - a woman seeking the right to vote through organised, and sometimes violent, protest
Radical - departing from tradition
Common misconception
Suffragists were the same as suffragettes.
One way for pupils to remember the difference is that the suffraGETtes wanted to GET things done - deeds not words.
Teacher tip
Various UK archives websites can be used to research the lives and activities of members of the WSPU. There are also some helpful articles about the lives of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh and Annie Kenney, suffragettes who challenge the stereotype of women's suffrage campaigners.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which keyword describes having the right to vote?
Q2.Complete the sentence: In __________, Millicent Fawcett set up the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS).
Q3.What is the alternative name that members of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) were known by?
Q4.Which class in society did radical NUWSS members come from?
Q5.Which MP supported the NUWSS by presenting a petition to parliament on their behalf?
Q6.Which of the following are examples of tactics the NUWSS used?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which keyword describes departing from tradition?
Q2.Complete the sentence: In __________ the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) was formed by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters.
Q3.What is the alternative name that members of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) were known by?
Q4.Which of the following are examples of tactics the WSPU used?
Q5.Complete the sentence: The aims of the WSPU became more , only aiming to get the right to vote on the same terms as men.
Q6.Why did Emmeline Pankhurst found the WSPU?
To help you plan your 9 history lesson on: The suffragettes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 history lesson on: The suffragettes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Women's suffrage: why did it take so long for women to get the vote in Britain? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.