Emmeline Pankhurst

Date of Birth: July 15, 1858

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: June 14, 1928

Biography

Emmeline Pankhurst was a British political activist and leader of the British suffragette movement who played a pivotal role in securing women’s right to vote in the United Kingdom. Born Emmeline Goulden on July 15, 1858, in Moss Side, Manchester, England, she was introduced to the world of political activism by her parents who were both social reformers. In 1879, she married Richard Pankhurst, a barrister known for his support of women’s rights, including being the author of the Married Women’s Property Acts. Together, they had five children, and Emmeline often involved her daughters in her activism. In 1903, Emmeline founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), an organization known for its militant tactics and famous slogan “Deeds, not words.” Under her leadership, the WSPU organized protests, hunger strikes, and acts of civil disobedience. Despite facing imprisonment numerous times, her relentless efforts were instrumental in the eventual passage of the Representation of the People Act in 1918, which granted voting rights to women over the age of 30. After World War I, Emmeline shifted her focus to issues of social reform and even ran for Parliament as a Conservative candidate in 1928. Emmeline Pankhurst passed away on June 14, 1928, in London, just weeks before women achieved equal voting rights with men under the Representation of the People Act 1928.

5 Interesting Facts about Emmeline Pankhurst

1. Emmeline Pankhurst was named as one of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century by Time magazine.

2. She founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903, which became known for its militant tactics.

3. Emmeline was arrested and imprisoned numerous times for her activism, often going on hunger strikes while in jail.

4. She was commemorated with a statue in London’s Victoria Tower Gardens in 1930.

5. Her autobiography, “My Own Story,” was published in 1914 and gives an in-depth look at her life and activism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Emmeline Pankhurst

1. “We are here, not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers.”

2. “Trust in God – she will provide.”

3. “Deeds, not words.”

4. “I would rather be a rebel than a slave.”

5. “You have to make more noise than anybody else, you have to make yourself more obtrusive than anybody else, you have to fill all the papers more than anybody else, in fact, you have to be there all the time and see that they do not snow you under.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There is no accurate record of Emmeline Pankhurst’s net worth during her lifetime, as she was primarily focused on her activism rather than accumulating wealth.

Children

Emmeline Pankhurst had five children: Christabel Pankhurst, Sylvia Pankhurst, Adela Pankhurst, Frank Pankhurst, and Harry Pankhurst. Christabel, Sylvia, and Adela were also notable suffragettes and activists in their own rights.