19th and 20th Century England

As mentioned in an earlier blog post, Emmeline Pankhurst lived from 1858-1928. I thought I would research a little bit on the context of that time period to better understand Pankhurst's life.

The Industrial Revolution spanned from about 1760 to 1850. Pankhurst was born into a modernised world. From 1801-1901, the population of Britain had increased by 32 million and over two thirds of the population lived in towns. Factories and technology swept over the world.  

The Romantic Era lasted from 1750-1870 and hence impacted the first 12 years of Pankhurst's life, although it was on the decline. This period of time was centred on self-expression and uniqueness. Visual art, music and literature had an important role and people idolised the artist.

The Victorian era went from 1837-1901. This is the main period in which Pankhurst lived so this is what I would like to focus a bit more on as it would have been of great influence in shaping her adulthood; Pankhurst was 43 when this era came to and end. The era was lengthy as Queen Victoria reigned 63 years, longer than any other British Monarch. It has been described as 'prudish', 'repressed' and 'old-fashioned'. The middle class were increasing in number as well as power and acting 'proper', according to the time's values, was a significant part of social conventions, hence why Pankhurst's thoughts and actions against the nobility were so controversial. British Imperial power expanded immensely into many parts of Africa, India, the Middle East and other parts of Asia. Impacts of this included a wider use of the English language outside of Europe and increased trade. Other important aspects of the Victorian era include the drive for social advancement, "finding" what English really is and what makes up the English people and later in the era, rebellion began to increase in notion. 

The idea of 'separate spheres' was evident and defined men and women separately, and often in a sexist manner. For example, females were considered physically weaker than men and men were considered morally weaker than women. Women were therefore best suited to the domestic lifestyle and men to the working industry. It has been said that 'the fact that women had such a great influence at home was used as an argument against giving them the vote'.    

Working class women had to work to support their families, usually in factories, domestic services for more wealthy individuals (e.g. a maid), or in home-based jobs including making garments or shoes and doing laundry work. Many women worked in sweat industries which are known for long hours with low pay.Women were payed less than men in exactly the same job as they were considered secondary to the main income earner. Women and daughters in the middle and upper classes were expected to fit into the domestic lifestyle which included get married and caring for their children at home, as well as domestic chores such as cooking and cleaning. Sometimes these women would work, however only in jobs considered decent and respectable such as a music teacher or governess. Professional jobs such as lawyers and vets excluded women. Women were denied the right the vote which prompted Pankhurst in her fight for equal rights. 

During World War One (1914-18), many women took up new jobs to help with the war effort. Munition factories arose due to the high demand for weapons. Factories were initially opposed to hiring women however conscription in 1916 meant female workers were necessary. As many men were fighting in the war, women also had to fill regular jobs that were normally reserved for men such as police and clerks. Women's employment rates increased. It is important to note that during this time Pankhurst and her suffrage movement took a break to focus on the war. 

Religion was being questioned, especially Christianity as doubt was heavily evident. However, for the most part, religion was still a way of life. Many people regularly went to church and read the Bible.

Education was unequal between sexes and classes. Wealthy males were tutored at home before attending a school such as Westminster or Eton College, or a small handful of public schools. After this they were expected to attend Oxford or Cambridge to gain higher education. Females, however, were primarily educated at home. Boarding schools were an option but not university. While males studied philosophy, literature, mathematics, law and more, females were limited to drawing, music, French and dancing. Sometimes sewing and embroidery were included.

When a woman married, she gained no independent legal status- no money, no will, no right to buy property, no right to claim her children and had to obey her husband and move with him wherever he went.