Suffragettes KS2

The Suffragettes played a key role in winning women the right to vote in Britain. Learning about the Suffragettes helps children understand how society has changed over time and how people have campaigned for equality. This topic is often taught as part of KS2 History when exploring significant individuals, social change and life in Britain during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

On this page, you'll find information about the Suffragettes for KS2, including who they were, what they believed in, and why figures such as Emmeline Pankhurst are still remembered today.

Who Were the Suffragettes?

The Suffragettes were members of a movement that campaigned for women to have the right to vote. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, women were not allowed to vote in parliamentary elections.

Many women believed this was unfair and began campaigning for change. While some groups used peaceful methods, the Suffragettes became known for taking more direct action to draw attention to their cause.

Their efforts helped to change public attitudes and eventually contributed to women gaining the right to vote.

Who Was Emmeline Pankhurst?

Emmeline Pankhurst was one of the most important leaders of the Suffragette movement. In 1903, she founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), an organisation dedicated to securing votes for women.

Emmeline Pankhurst believed that stronger action was needed to bring about change. Under her leadership, the Suffragettes organised marches, demonstrations and campaigns that attracted national attention.

Today, Emmeline Pankhurst is remembered as one of the most significant individuals in British history and is often studied as part of an Emmeline Pankhurst KS2 topic.

What Did the Suffragettes Want?

The main aim of the Suffragettes was simple: they wanted women to have the same voting rights as men.

At the time, many laws were made entirely by men, even though those laws affected women too. The Suffragettes believed women should have a voice in government and be able to influence decisions about the country.

Their campaign became known as the fight for women's suffrage. The word suffrage means the right to vote.

How Did the Suffragettes Campaign?

The Suffragettes used a range of methods to gain attention for their cause. These included:

• Organising marches and rallies
• Making speeches and distributing leaflets
• Holding public demonstrations
• Writing articles and campaigning through newspapers
• Taking part in acts of protest and civil disobedience

When Did Women Get the Vote?

In 1918, some women in Britain gained the right to vote for the first time. However, voting rights were still not equal to those of men.

It was not until 1928 that women gained voting rights on the same terms as men. This was a major milestone in British history and marked the success of decades of campaigning.

Why Are the Suffragettes Important Today?

The Suffragettes are remembered because they helped bring about an important change in society. Their campaign shows how people can work together to challenge unfairness and influence change.

Studying the Suffragettes helps children understand democracy, equality and the importance of standing up for what they believe in.

Suffragettes KS2 Activities

When teaching the Suffragettes at KS2, children might:

• Create a timeline of key events
• Research Emmeline Pankhurst and other significant campaigners
• Write persuasive speeches or letters
• Design campaign posters
• Compare life for women before and after voting rights were achieved

Teaching the Suffragettes at KS2

If you're teaching the Suffragettes at KS2, our ready-to-use lesson explores the campaign for women's voting rights and the role played by Emmeline Pankhurst and the Suffragette movement.

The lesson forms part of our The Changing Role of Women history scheme of work, which helps children investigate how the lives, rights and opportunities of women have changed throughout British history.

 Download the free KS2 Suffragettes lesson here