From Peaceful Militancy to Revolution: An Analysis of the Rhetorical Structure of the Women's Social and Political Union in Great Britain, 1903-1914

• Main Author: Harris, Kitty S.
• Other Authors: Stupp, Vicki O.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: North Texas State University 1974
• Subjects: Great Britain politics; Women's Social and Political Union; women in politics; women's sufferage; Women's Party (Great Britain)
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc663527/

This study focused on the rhetorical structure of the Women's Social and Political Union. An interdisciplinary methodology was used to examine the components of rhetorical structure: ideology, goals, leaders, membership, and strategies. The rhetorical structure became the thread which held the movement together and provided the impetus for its progression and through four stages: formation and development, the beginning of militancy, the flourishing of membership, and the eruption of violence. The final stage brought about differing ideologies, inconsistent goals, and a divided membership. Although the rhetorical structure was shattered and the movement ended, it succeeded in changing the Victorian image of women and contributed to the larger women's movement.