People's Suffrage Federation facts for kids

The People's Suffrage Federation (PSF) was a group in Britain that wanted everyone to have the right to vote. This included all adults, both men and women. It was formed in 1909.

What Was the People's Suffrage Federation?

The People's Suffrage Federation, or PSF, was an organization in Britain. Their main goal was "adult suffrage." This means they wanted every adult person to have the right to vote in elections. They believed voting should not depend on how much money someone had or if they were male or female.

How Did the PSF Begin?

The PSF was created in 1909. It was formed when two other important groups joined together. These groups were the Co-operative Women's Guild and the Women's Labour League. Both groups worked to improve life for women and working-class people.

The PSF was led by Margaret Llewelyn Davies. She was a very important leader. Before this, she was the general secretary for the Co-operative Women's Guild.

Why Did They Want Everyone to Vote?

The PSF believed that the movement for women's voting rights was facing problems. They saw that there were big differences between groups of women. These differences were often about social class, like whether women were rich or poor. They felt these divisions were hurting the cause.

For example, some groups, like the Women's Social and Political Union, had different ideas. The PSF thought that asking for "universal suffrage" was a better plan. This meant asking for voting rights for all adults, not just some women.

They also thought that the government would be more likely to agree to universal suffrage. If only wealthy women got to vote, the PSF believed it might make the conservative political party stronger. They wanted a fairer system where everyone's voice could be heard.

Who Was Margaret Llewelyn Davies?

Margaret Llewelyn Davies was a key figure in the PSF. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice. Her leadership helped guide the PSF in its mission. She believed in cooperation and equality for all people.