THE CANADIAN SUFFRAGETTES

The Canadian Suffragettes

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “the Canadian suffragettes” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “suffrage movement” and the impact it had on the history of “Canada”. The research analyzes “the historical conditions” and “the social conditions” responsible for the rise of “the Canadian suffragettes”. Finally the research describes different dimensions focused by the “suffragette movement in Canada” and discusses the success or failure of the movement.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Historical Conditions5

Ideology of the Movement5

The Role of Women's Christian Temperance Union5

Characteristics of the Suffragettes6

Social Conditions7

Impact of the Societal Dimensions7

Influence of Politics and Legislation in the Suffrage Movement8

Conclusion9

References10

The Canadian Suffragettes

Introduction

In the nineteenth century, women owners were eligible to apply for the voting rights representing “no taxation without representation". In Canada, women owners could vote without restrictions between the years 1809 and 1849. This was the era when women felt their complete freedom and sense of democracy. Nevertheless, the involvement of men in the electoral legislation changed the scenario completely. By 1900, the right to vote in the elections was usually given to women across Canada. In addition, in the 19th century, the majority of the residents in Canada perceived women and men as equal. This ideology served as the basic ground on the basis of which women had the democratic right to vote.

The purpose of this paper is to enlighten and explore the suffrage movement in Canada. The paper will focus on the origin and ideology of the movement. In addition, the study will explore the basic need that originated the concept of the suffrage movement. Before the launch, of the suffrage movement in Canada, Toronto Women's Literary Club introduced a public debate in Ontario representing women equality and democratic rights. This group was the pioneer of the suffrage movement in Canada. Led by ??Dr. Emily Howard Stowe, this group has a major contribution in protecting the rights of women in Canada throughout the 19th century. The ideology of the suffrage movement was originated by a campaign targeted safeguard women democratic rights, so they can vote up to 40 years of age. In 1883, Toronto Women's Literary Club transformed into Toronto Women's Suffrage Association.

Historical Conditions

Ideology of the Movement

The ideology of the suffrage movement is governed by the democratic rights of women. From the beginning, the ideology was not easily summed up or categorized. Although its proponents were often middle class and European in origin, there were occasional other voices such as the African-Canadian abolitionist Mary Ann Shadd (Crawford, 1999). Some feminists found a home in radical groups such as the Knights of Labor and the Social Democratic Party. Most pre-1920s, or pre-suffrage, Canadian feminists were, however, liberals who anticipated that institutional and individual reform rather than the overturn of class and race privilege would largely eliminate female disadvantage.

A pragmatic liberalism incorporated both those who endorsed an 'equal rights' or 'natural justice' feminism and those who embraced essentialism, which stressed women's biologically mediated response both to children and to the world ...