Suffragettes – Stories from Parliament (Part 1 of 2)

Summary

In 1909, Constance Lytton, a suffragette from a privileged background, marches with fellow women demanding the right to vote. Despite Prime Minister Asquith's broken promise, the suffragettes' rallying cry, 'Deeds, not words,' symbolizes their resolve to act rather than merely speak. Constance is arrested, imprisoned, and encounters the harsh realities faced by working-class women. Amidst mistreatment, she realizes the urgency of securing voting rights for all women. Later, she pledges to continue her activism, rejecting any special treatment, in solidarity with those suffering for the cause.

Takeaways

• 😀 The suffragettes' rallying cry was 'Deeds, not words,' demanding action from the government to grant women the right to vote.
• 😀 In 1909, Constance Lytton, a suffragette, was marching to Parliament with other women to demand equal voting rights.
• 😀 Prime Minister Asquith had initially promised to extend voting rights to women, but later reversed his stance due to political fear.
• 😀 The suffragettes were willing to take action, even breaking the law, to secure women's right to vote.
• 😀 Mrs. Pankhurst, leader of the suffragette movement, argued that women should be allowed to contribute to law-making, as their lives were impacted by men's decisions.
• 😀 The protestors were met with opposition from police and were physically pushed back, with some women chaining themselves to railings.
• 😀 Constance was arrested and sentenced to a month in prison for her protest, where she began to deeply reflect on the significance of the cause.
• 😀 Constance realized the gravity of the suffragette movement after meeting women in prison whose lives were impacted by gender inequality and limited opportunities.
• 😀 The prison chaplain expressed disbelief that Constance, from a high social class, would engage in politics, revealing the disconnect between classes on gender issues.
• 😀 Despite her discomfort in prison, Constance resolved to continue her activism, planning to return to the suffragette marches once released and to face the same hardships as working women.

Q & A

What was the main message behind the suffragette chant 'DEEDS NOT WORDS'?

The chant 'DEEDS NOT WORDS' symbolized the suffragettes' demand for direct action. They were frustrated with mere promises and wanted the government to fulfill its promise of granting women the right to vote. If the government failed to act, the suffragettes were ready to take matters into their own hands.

Why was Prime Minister Asquith opposed to granting women the vote?

Prime Minister Asquith feared that too many women might vote against his party, potentially leading to the collapse of his government. Despite previously promising women the vote, he hesitated to take action due to this concern.

How did Mrs. Pankhurst justify women's participation in politics?

Mrs. Pankhurst argued that a society that denied women a role in decision-making could not thrive. She highlighted the systemic inequality women faced, where they were excluded from important government positions, despite the fact that government decisions affected women.

What was Constance Lytton's position on her family's social status?

Constance Lytton, although from the ruling class, was determined to be part of the suffragette movement. She believed that women, regardless of their class, should demand the right to vote, and she was inspired by Mrs. Pankhurst's leadership.

How did Constance react when a policeman tried to stop her from attending the march?

Constance stood firm in her resolve to see the Prime Minister and demand the vote for women. She was insulted by the policeman’s remark, telling her to act like a woman and go home, but she continued to push forward.

What happened to Constance after she was arrested by the police?

Constance was taken to the nearest police station, and from there, she was sent to court and sentenced to a month's imprisonment. She was later sent to Holloway Prison, where her perspective on the importance of the suffrage movement deepened.

What realization did Constance have while in Holloway Prison?

In prison, Constance saw firsthand the dire conditions of women who struggled with poverty and had limited rights. This strengthened her belief that women needed the vote to bring about social change and improve the lives of women in similar situations.

How did Constance respond to the prison chaplain's offer of special treatment?

Constance rejected the special treatment offered by the chaplain, who suggested she could have letters from her family due to her status. Constance wanted no privilege and chose to endure the same harsh conditions as other women prisoners.

What was the significance of Constance banging her mug against the cell bars?

Banging the mug against the cell bars was an act of protest and solidarity with other suffragettes and women in prison. It symbolized her commitment to the cause and her defiance in the face of oppressive conditions.

How did Constance plan to continue her activism after being released from prison?

After her release, Constance resolved to continue her suffrage activism, vowing to march again, even if it meant being imprisoned once more. She planned to do so as an ordinary working woman, foregoing any special treatment due to her noble status.