When the word suffraget was first used, it referred to the women who were involved with the women’s suffrage movement that was happening in the United Kingdom. Part of that movement was a sub-division of what was perceived of as more radical members; this was the Women’s Social and Political Union. These women in particular where referred to as a suffraget. Once the term became popular, its meaning changed a bit. It was then used to refer to anyone, not just those considered to be radical. A suffraget then meant any person, male or female, who supported the movement.
One may wonder how the word suffraget even came to be. It originated from the word of suffrage. Although the word suffrage may remind one of the word suffering, this actually means “the right to vote”. Thus, ultimately, the movement and the then new word of suffraget referred to women who were fighting for the right to vote. Voting is a main element in women’s movements to be seen as equals to men.
Sometimes radical factions of women movements would act out and these people were often referred to as a suffraget. There were incidences of fires being set, women who chained themselves to buildings, and even an occasional bomb. While many argue that such actions of violence can never bring about a peaceful and fair resolution, never-the-less, this was done in some type of attempt to gain attention to the cause. A famous suffraget by the name of Emily Davison actually died when she attempted a radical move. In 1913, she stepped directly in front of the King’s horse and was trampled to death. After her violent death, many other suffragettes joined in a hunger strike and many were arrested. Those who refused to eat were tied down and forced to eat.
Word of this movement reached all over the world and those in the United States began to join in. Two famous women, Lucy Burns and Alice Paul were leaders who brought protests to Washington. Big changes began to occur as a result of World War I. Because so many men were taken overseas to fight, the United States had a shortage of men. Young strong men, who would normally be working, were now in the war and many women had to take over their jobs. These jobs were once considered taboo for women, but at this time women were asked to do these jobs and for the sake of American continuing on, the jobs had to be done. Once women began to do these jobs, it showed just how competent women were and this was a large step in women’s right’s movements.
The war also affected what was happening in the United Kingdom. The British suffragette movement decided it was best to end their protests while the war ensued. The more radical suffragettes decided that they would not stop no matter what the circumstances. Efforts were not in vain, as the United Kingdom passed a law that allowed women to vote, beginning in 1918. They did have some restrictions; women needed to be over thirty years old, needed to be married, and needed have graduated from a United Kingdom university. Only two years later, in 1920, the United States followed suit and passed the nineteenth amendment to the Constitution, which allows women to vote. Eight years later, in 1928 the United Kingdom took away their restrictions regarding women who could vote. Finally women in both the United States and in the United Kingdom achieved the same voting rights as men.