Wednesday 10 February 2016

A Biography by Paula Bartley - Ch 2: The Liberal Years

- Happily married, Emmeline and Richard reshaped their marriage to suit their political beliefs, going against traditional views- unity rather than wife 'under' husband
-  As a wife and mother, it is necessary to note that E.P began in these roles rather conservative, with little time to engage in political activities. She had five children between 1880 and 1889 who were mostly taken care of by servants.
- Her children were educated by a governess and their aunt, before attending high schools. They had wide access to books on philosophy, science, history and often read.
- E.P educated her children in politics, more than what school taught them. They were engaged in socialist endeavours (singing songs, handing out leaflets).
- Family in constant financial difficulties  
- Family home often had visitors regarding the suffragette movement, radicalism, House of Lords,  Republicanism, socialism, the new trade unionism and more.
- Pankhurst's broke off from the Liberal Party when they could not carry out its radical programme and joined the Independent Labour Party.
- ILP seeked to gin socialism through parliamentary practise rather than radicalism.
- Women's Franchise League was established on July 25th, 1889 - two aims:
   1) 'To extend to women, whether unmarried, married or widowed, the right to vote at Parliamentary, municipal local and other elections'
   2) 'To establish for all women equal civil and political rights with men'

- Although the WFrL did not last long, it gave E.P a greater awareness, and taught her strategies of policy and commitment.
- E.P's characteristics were demonstrated: emotional response to politics, commitment to fight against injustice, inability to compromise on her values/beliefs, willingness, individualism and her dedication to the alleviation of poverty.  

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