Why did women in some countries receive the right to vote after ww1

History · Middle School · Thu Feb 04 2021

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Women received the right to vote in many countries after World War I (WWI) for several interrelated reasons:

1. Contribution to the War Effort: During WWI, with many men serving in the military, women took on roles that were traditionally held by men. They worked in factories, served as nurses on the front lines, and took care of the affairs at home. This demonstrated that women could handle the responsibilities of citizenship, including decision-making and leadership.

2. Change in Public Perception: The war challenged traditional gender roles and catalyzed changes in public perceptions about women's capabilities and their role in society. As women proved themselves in various capacities, it became increasingly difficult to justify their exclusion from political decision-making.

3. Suffrage Movements' Strength: The suffrage movement, which had been active in many countries for decades before WWI, gained strength and momentum during and after the war. Women who had engaged in suffrage activism before the war continued to organize, protest, and lobby for their right to vote.

4. Political Strategy: In some cases, granting women the right to vote was a strategic decision by political leaders. For instance, after the war, governments wanted to stabilize their countries, reform political systems, and avoid social unrest. Extending the franchise to women was seen as a progressive step that could help achieve these aims.

5. Recognition of Rights: The war led to broader discussions about rights and freedoms, with emerging ideas about democracy and self-determination. This ideological shift made it harder to deny suffrage based on gender, and contributed to the idea that women, like men, deserved the right to vote.