WSPU - Votes for Women suffrage badge (c.1910)
9446 views
1/2
An original women's suffrage badge issued by the Women's Social & Political Union (WSPU) probably around 1910. The WSPU were formed in 1903 as a breakaway organisation from the NUWSS (National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies) over a matter of policy and protest methods. The NUWSS favoured constitutional and more peaceful means to achieve their aims, primarily the universal suffrage or vote for all women. Whereas, the WSPU favoured a confrontational approach with militant action to draw more attention to their cause. The WSPU was headed by Emmeline Pankhurst who was a major influence on the WSPU since their beginning. After the outbreak of WW1 in 1914, the WSPU took a different approach but no less hardline than their fight for women's suffrage. They shelved their campaigns for suffrage and took on a fervently patriotic role directed mainly to persuading men to enlist in the Forces. It was these same WSPU members who were mostly responsible for the 'white feather' campaigns. The WSPU became known as Suffragists who were identified with the defiant and militant actions taken by some of its members. Suffragette was the opposing term in general use for those involved in more constitutional means of campaigning for women's suffrage (vote). After the war, the Representation of the People Act 1918 gave limited suffrage to women subject to martial and property qualifications. It would not be till the passing of the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928 that universal suffrage would be attained - the vote for all women. This badge printed letterpress in 2 colours (green & mauve) and laminated with a celluoid film. It measures only 10mm in diameter (3/8"). The reverse side has a letterpress printed insert which reads MANUFACTURED BY THE MERCHANTS PORTRAIT CO. KENTISH TOWN ROAD, LONDON N.W.