One cause, two paths: Militant vs. adjustive strategies in the British and American women's suffrage movements

Abstract

Although the suffrage movement in Britain and the United States shared a common goal and collaborated in an international effort to enfranchise women, they differed in rhetorical tone and protest tactics. This essay examines the ideological and material conditions that led to the strategic use of militancy by the British suffrage movement and non‐violence by its American counterpart. It further explores the role of class in shaping early women's movement rhetoric.

Key concepts:

• Suffrage Movement
• United States
• England
• militancy
• non‐violence
• class