Module 02: Should Women Vote? The Politics of Suffrage

Evidence 23: "War Incidents" From Punch, June 25, 1913

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Introduction

The cartoon below comments on public anxiety about the disruptive actions of the suffragettes.

Questions to Consider

  • Why does the police officer suspect that the woman is about to pull a hammer out of her purse?

  • Why does he tell her to move along?

  • Why is she described as a perfectly innocent young lady?

  • What is the cartoon saying about popular responses to the suffrage campaign?

Document

Woman standing in front of shop window told to move along by police officer while she reaches into her purse.

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Caption:
War Incidents (Oxford Street zone.)
Over-zealous P.C. (suspicious of concealed hammer): "Now then, none of that. Move on, there!" Perfectly Innocent Young Lady: "Then perhaps you will kindly blow my nose for me."

Source:
"War Incidents," Punch, 144 (25 Jun 1913):499.

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