Event | WEA Course: The Battle for the Ballot

The battle to win the vote – for men and for women – was a long struggle.  From Peterloo, through the Chartists, to the suffragists and suffragettes, Britain saw over a century of struggle.

Prime Minister Lloyd George was always opposed to giving the vote to women – despite heroic, determined, and persistent campaigning.  After years of war the franchise was extended in 1819: men and some women were granted the right to vote.  This was a milestone victory in the battle for democracy and the struggle for equality and for women’s rights.

Led by WEA tutor Mark Krantz, each session will involve a presentation of material followed by an interactive discussion.  This course will:

• explore the historical and political background that led to the passing of the Representation of the People Act in 1918
• look into why the vote was given to all men and some women
• examine the outcome of the 1918 general election
• discuss recent events and attitudes to voting today
• include a guided tour of PHM’s Represent! Voices 100 Years On exhibition
• include a visit to PHM’s Labour History Archive & Study Centre

Suitable for 19+

Please note attendees are required to book onto all five weeks of the course

Course runs on Mondays from Mon 17 September to Mon 15 October

Part of our year long programme exploring the past, present and future of representation, marking 100 years since the passing of the Representation of the People Act (1918) and since all men and some women won the right to vote in Britain.