These actions were done to make the government make a change, and Pankhurst thought that the government cared more about property than its citizens (Park). Members also did acts including, but not limited to, cutting telephone wires, smashing jewelry cases, using arson, bombing empty buildings, and writing in acid on golf courses (Brooke). Tens of thousands of women would gather for WSPU rallies (Brooke). These actions represent the organization’s motto, “deeds not words”. Emmeline believed that “Windows can be replaced; a woman’s body cannot.”. However, actions come with consequences. Pankhurst and her followers often were sent to prison, but the fight kept on (Bartley). The WSPU fought even when their leader was locked away (Park). Hunger strikes were common and were used by prisoners to get released. In 1908, Pankhurst was released and was even awarded a medal for her suffragist efforts The movement that was promoted by Pankhurst was not only in Britain. Emmeline and her daughters spread the word around the world to get all women fighting. With this, women in America, Russia, Canada, and a few other countries joined the fight. At this point, the movement was gaining speed and was well recognized. Pankhurst’s continuous fight was finally gaining power …show more content…
Changes slowly began to be made thanks to Pankhurst’s efforts. In 1918, women in Britain over the age of thirty received the right to vote (“Key Dates”). Also in 1918, women in Britain gained the right to stand for Parliament (“Key Dates”). Next, in 1926, Pankhurst was chosen as the conservative candidate for an East London Constituency. However, she was never elected because she passed away due to health related issues (Kuiper, 204). Even after she passed away the movement she set in motion continued to affect women's rights. Before she passed, however, she was able to see the effects of her actions when women over the age of thirty in Britain gained suffrage. In 1928, women in Britain over the age of twenty one gained the right to vote (“Key Dates”). Her daughters even continued her legacy on with their hunger for equality, though they chose a more peaceful route