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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Rise Up, Women! summary
Diane Atkinson
The Remarkable Lives of the Suffragettes
22 mins
Brief summary
'Rise Up, Women!' by Diane Atkinson is a detailed account of the British suffrage movement. It highlights the struggles and achievements of women in gaining the right to vote in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Rise Up, Women!
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The Pankhurst family began advocating for women’s suffrage in early twentieth-century Britain.
Following voting reforms in 1832, around 800,000 property-owning men in the United Kingdom could vote. Women, however, remained disenfranchised. That struck some as deeply unfair. The English philosopher John Stuart Mill, for example, raised the issue in 1867, arguing that it was unjust that female taxpayers couldn’t elect their own representatives.
Yet little was done to change the situation. Even the socialist Labour party, which was otherwise committed to equality, kept silent. Its leaders feared that only wealthy women would be given the vote, boosting the Conservative and Liberal parties. By the turn of the twentieth century, the situation looked bleak for supporters of women’s suffrage.
Frustrated by this lack of progress, suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter Sylvia decided to take matters into their own hands. In 1905, the duo began lobbying members of parliament or MPs directly, but their arguments mostly fell on deaf ears. One exception was John Slack, the Liberal MP for St Albans. Slack decided to raise the question of women’s suffrage in parliament and introduced a private members’ bill – a proposal to change the law.
The bill was filibustered. Opponents extended debates concerning other bills. By the time Slack’s proposal was raised for discussion, only 30 minutes remained. As it was announced, MPs laughed and clapped.
That was the moment the Pankhursts realized that they’d have to change their tactics. If they wanted to secure the vote for women, politely asking for change just wasn’t going to cut it. So what was the alternative? Well, they’d have to become a great deal more confrontational and shock people. Their organization – the Women’s Social and Political Union or WSPU – adopted a new motto to reflect this change in tactics: “Deeds not words.”
Christabel, another of Pankhurst’s daughters, and Annie Kenney, a mill worker from Oldham, led the way. They interrupted a Liberal rally in Manchester and waved a banner reading “Will you give votes for women?” As police officers led them away, Christabel spat at one of them, knowing it’d get her arrested.
Both were charged with obstruction while Christabel faced another charge of assault. When they refused to pay their fines, they were sentenced to several days in prison. That got people talking. Newspapers like the Times reported on the trial – the first WSPU event to ever feature in the national press!
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What is Rise Up, Women! about?
Rise Up, Women! (2018) tells the remarkable story of the militant women’s suffrage movement in the United Kingdom. Full of fascinating insights into the women at the heart of the struggle for equality, these blinks illuminate one of the twentieth century’s first great civil rights revolutions.
Rise Up, Women! Review
Rise Up, Women! (2018) by Diane Atkinson is an eye-opening account of the suffragette movement and why it's crucial to understand and appreciate its significance. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It presents a meticulously researched and comprehensive history, bringing to light the untold stories of brave women who fought for equality.
- Through powerful narratives and first-hand accounts, the book vividly portrays the challenges and triumphs of suffragettes, making their struggle relatable and inspiring.
- By exploring the wider social and political context, Rise Up, Women! highlights the broader impact of the movement, emphasizing its relevance beyond women's rights.
Best quote from Rise Up, Women!
The term suffragette was coined by the Daily Mail in 1906 to demean the suffrage movement.
—Diane Atkinson
Who should read Rise Up, Women!?
- History buffs
- Feminists
- Activists
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Rise Up, Women! FAQs
What is the main message of Rise Up, Women!?
The main message of Rise Up, Women! is the fight for women's rights and the power of collective action.
How long does it take to read Rise Up, Women!?
The reading time for Rise Up, Women! varies, but it generally takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Rise Up, Women! a good book? Is it worth reading?
Rise Up, Women! is definitely worth reading. It provides a fascinating and empowering account of women's fight for equality.
Who is the author of Rise Up, Women!?
The author of Rise Up, Women! is Diane Atkinson.
What to read after Rise Up, Women!?
If you're wondering what to read next after Rise Up, Women!, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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