Events on February 7 in history

The Mud March is the first large procession organized by the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS).

The United Procession of Women: A Pivotal "Mud March" for Suffrage

On 9 February 1907, London bore witness to a historic demonstration known as the United Procession of Women, more commonly, and vividly, remembered as the "Mud March." Organised by the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), this monumental peaceful demonstration saw over three thousand determined women march from Hyde Park Corner to the Strand, uniting their voices in a powerful demand for women's suffrage. This event, unprecedented in its scale for the suffrage movement at the time, was remarkable not only for its sheer number of participants but also for the diverse representation of women from all social classes, who braved incessant heavy rain that day. The relentless downpour soaked the marchers and splattered them with mud, inadvertently christening the event with its enduring moniker, symbolising their unwavering commitment despite adverse conditions.

The Complex Landscape of the Women's Suffrage Movement

The early 20th century suffrage movement was characterised by a significant tactical divergence among its proponents. While all shared the common goal of securing voting rights for women, their methods varied considerably. One faction, primarily represented by the NUWSS and often referred to as 'suffragists,' favoured constitutional and peaceful methods such as petitions, public meetings, and lobbying Members of Parliament. Their approach was rooted in persuasion and demonstrating the reasoned arguments for women's enfranchisement.

In contrast, a more militant wing emerged in 1903 with the formation of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters. Known colloquially as the 'suffragettes,' this group adopted more direct and often disruptive actions. Their tactics included organising large-scale demonstrations, public heckling of politicians to force attention onto their cause, and, significantly, civil disobedience which from 1905 led to the imprisonment of several members. While controversial, these actions garnered considerable press attention, both positive and negative, and notably increased public awareness and support for women's suffrage, particularly among women themselves.

The Mud March: A Strategic Display of Unity and Resolve

Amidst this dynamic landscape, the NUWSS orchestrated the Mud March with specific strategic objectives. The march was designed to sustain the growing momentum for women's suffrage and to explicitly generate support for a new suffrage bill slated for introduction in the House of Commons. Its timing was meticulously planned to coincide with the opening of Parliament, aiming to present a powerful visual petition to legislators as they returned to Westminster. The event successfully captured widespread public interest and largely received sympathetic coverage from the press, underscoring the broad appeal and legitimacy of the suffrage cause.

Despite the immense public turnout and positive media attention, the immediate parliamentary outcome was disheartening. When the suffrage bill was presented the following month, it was "talked out" without a vote. This parliamentary manoeuvre, where a bill is debated at length until the allotted time expires without a vote being taken, effectively shelved the legislation and prevented its progression, highlighting the significant political resistance that still needed to be overcome.

A Lasting Legacy: Shaping the Future of Protest

While the Mud March did not directly influence the immediate parliamentary process, its impact on public awareness and the future trajectory of the women's suffrage campaign was profound and enduring. It pioneered the concept of large-scale, peaceful public demonstrations as a potent tool for political advocacy in Britain, a tactic never before attempted on such a grand scale by the suffrage movement. These mass marches became a standard and highly effective feature of the suffrage campaign, proving their capacity to mobilise support and capture national attention.

The success of the Mud March paved the way for even larger demonstrations, such as the monumental Women's Sunday rally held on 21 June 1908. This WSPU event in Hyde Park reportedly attracted up to half a million people, building directly on the precedent set by the Mud March. Fundamentally, these demonstrations unequivocally showcased that the fight for women's suffrage transcended social divides, enjoying the robust support of women from every stratum of society. They powerfully demonstrated that, despite their varied backgrounds and potential social differences, women could unite, transcend traditional barriers, and collaborate effectively towards a shared, transformative goal.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mud March

What was the Mud March?

The Mud March, officially known as the United Procession of Women, was a peaceful public demonstration held in London on 9 February 1907. Organised by the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), it involved over three thousand women marching from Hyde Park Corner to the Strand to advocate for women's right to vote. It earned its popular name due to the heavy rain and resulting mud that characterised the day.

Who organised the Mud March?

The Mud March was meticulously organised by the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), the leading suffragist organisation that favoured constitutional methods of campaigning for women's suffrage.

What was the significance of the Mud March?

The Mud March was highly significant as the largest public demonstration for women's suffrage seen in Britain up to that date. It demonstrated the widespread support for the cause across all social classes and established large-scale peaceful demonstrations as a powerful and effective tactic within the suffrage movement, influencing future protest strategies.

Did the Mud March achieve its immediate goal?

While the Mud March successfully raised public awareness and garnered sympathetic press coverage, it did not immediately achieve its parliamentary goal. The suffrage bill it aimed to support was "talked out" in the House of Commons the following month without being brought to a vote.

What was the difference between suffragists and suffragettes?

The terms 'suffragists' and 'suffragettes' refer to two distinct approaches within the British women's suffrage movement. Suffragists, primarily associated with the NUWSS, advocated for women's right to vote through peaceful, constitutional methods like petitions, lobbying, and public meetings. Suffragettes, associated with the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) led by Emmeline Pankhurst, adopted more militant and direct action tactics, including civil disobedience, public disruptions, and sometimes property damage, to draw attention to their cause.