... Britain's economy was changing - there were more jobs being created in the service industries such as teaching, typing or nursing. Educationally they had advanced, with free compulsory state education up till the age of 11, and the acceptance for some women (richer) to go into higher education. These were positive changes for women, however, society in general still had deeply rooted beliefs on the status of women, and they were still regarded as inferior, practically second class citizens. The various groups that campaigned for women's suffrage had been successful in swaying the majority of Parliament, and had there been a free vote between 1900 and 1914 there would have been a majority in favour. However the issue of suffrage was complicated by calculations of political party advantage. The Liberal party had been in power from 1905 - 1915, and were in favour of the vote. However, their leader and Prime ...

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