Deaths on February 13

Christabel Pankhurst, English activist, co-founded the Women's Social and Political Union (b. 1880)

Dame Christabel Harriette Pankhurst (22 September 1880 – 13 February 1958) was a pivotal figure in the fight for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom, renowned as a leading British suffragette born in Manchester, England. Her intellect, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment were instrumental in shaping the most impactful phase of the campaign for women's voting rights.

The Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU): A Force for Change

Co-founding and Militancy

Christabel Pankhurst played a crucial role as a co-founder of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903, alongside her mother, Emmeline Pankhurst, and her sisters Sylvia and Adela. Disillusioned with the slow progress of parliamentary methods, the WSPU adopted the militant motto "Deeds, not Words," believing that only direct action and civil disobedience could compel the government to grant women the right to vote. Christabel, with her legal training and sharp mind, quickly became one of the WSPU's most influential strategists and public speakers, advocating for a radical approach that often saw members facing arrest and imprisonment.

Directing the Movement Amidst Persecution

From 1912 to 1913, facing increasing governmental repression and the threat of imprisonment under the "Cat and Mouse Act" (Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill Health) Act 1913), Christabel Pankhurst directed the WSPU's militant actions from exile in France. From her base in Paris, she maintained control over the organization, issuing directives and writing extensively for the WSPU's newspaper, "The Suffragette." Her leadership during this period was crucial in sustaining the campaign's intensity, which included acts of property damage, window smashing, arson, and a relentless public campaign to highlight the injustices faced by women. This strategic removal allowed her to avoid arrest while continuing to galvanize and guide the suffragettes on the ground in Britain, ensuring the movement remained a potent political force.

A Shift in Focus: War and Patriotism

Supporting the First World War Effort

In a significant and often controversial shift, Christabel Pankhurst, along with her mother Emmeline, declared a moratorium on militant suffrage activities in 1914, pledging the WSPU’s full support for Britain’s entry into World War I against Germany. They refocused the organization's energies, rebranding the "Votes for Women" campaign to "Votes for Women War Work," urging women to contribute to the national effort. This decision, driven by strong patriotic convictions and a belief that women's contributions to the war would undeniably prove their worthiness for the franchise, saw the WSPU actively participating in recruitment drives and advocating for a robust war effort. Christabel also published "The Great Scourge and How to End It," linking venereal disease to national weakness during wartime, further demonstrating her commitment to national causes.

Life After Suffrage: Evangelism in America

A New Path in the United States

Following the significant achievement of partial women's suffrage in 1918 (the Representation of the People Act 1918 granted the vote to women over 30 who met property qualifications, with full suffrage for all women over 21 achieved in 1928), Christabel Pankhurst embarked on a new chapter. After the war, she moved to the United States, where she devoted her life to a different form of activism: evangelism. She became a prominent figure in the Second Adventist movement, a branch of Protestant Christianity focused on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ. As an eloquent speaker, she traveled extensively, sharing her religious convictions with the same passion and conviction that had characterized her suffragette campaigning. Her tireless work in both the political and religious spheres earned her the distinguished title of Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) in 1936, recognizing her profound contributions to public life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Christabel Pankhurst's primary contribution to women's rights?

Christabel Pankhurst was a co-founder and leading strategist of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), an organization that employed militant tactics to campaign for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom. Her intellectual leadership and direction of the WSPU's direct actions were crucial in bringing the issue of women's voting rights to the forefront of British politics.

Why did the WSPU adopt militant tactics?

The WSPU, under Christabel's influence, adopted militant tactics out of frustration with the lack of progress achieved through peaceful lobbying and parliamentary efforts. They believed that only through disruptive actions and civil disobedience – such as protests, property damage, and hunger strikes – could they force the government to take their demands for women's suffrage seriously.

How did World War I impact Christabel Pankhurst's activism?

With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Christabel Pankhurst and her mother, Emmeline, controversially suspended the WSPU's militant suffrage campaign. They redirected the organization's focus to supporting the British war effort against Germany, believing that women's patriotic contributions to the war would strengthen their case for the right to vote and demonstrate their national commitment.

What did Christabel Pankhurst do after women gained the right to vote?

After women achieved partial suffrage in the UK in 1918, Christabel Pankhurst moved to the United States. There, she transitioned from political activism to religious evangelism, becoming a prominent speaker and advocate for the Second Adventist movement. She continued to inspire audiences with her passionate oratory, now focused on spiritual messages.