The position of women in the early twentieth century
I can explain why women were unable to vote at the beginning of the 20th century, despite their contributions to political movements.
The position of women in the early twentieth century
I can explain why women were unable to vote at the beginning of the 20th century, despite their contributions to political movements.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The franchise had been expanded in the nineteenth century but did not include women.
- Women had secured some legal rights, such as the 1882 Married Women's Property Act.
- Women had contributed to political movements throughout the nineteenth century, including abolition.
Keywords
Political - relating to government
Franchise - the ability to vote
Legal rights - entitlements that are enshrined in the law relating to government
Suffrage - the right to vote
Common misconception
Victorian women played no political role in Britain in the 19th century.
Women were increasingly politically active in Britain, for example, through their involvement in the abolitionist movement and through their participation in trade unions, despite being unable to vote.
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: The position of women in the early twentieth century, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: The position of women in the early twentieth century, 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.
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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.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Extended the franchise to include middle class, factory owners.
Extended the franchise to 2.5 million voters.
Extended the franchise to two in three men.