To what extent was the militant suffragette campaign the most important reason as to why some women achieved the right to vote in 1918?

In order to determine the most important factor as to why some women achieved the right to vote in 1918, an evaluation of numerous factors will be undertaken. However, it will be argued that although the militant suffragette campaign was significant, the most important factor was women and the war effort.In 1903, the suffragettes, also known as the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), was set up by Emmeline Pankhurst and adopted the motto of 'Deeds Not Words'. The suffragettes used violent tactics such as putting bombs in postboxes, chaining themselves to railings and smashing windows to gain attention to the cause. In addition to this, Emily Wilding Davison became a martyr for the cause as she jumped in front of the king's horse at the Epson Derby. This was extremely significant as it attracted a lot of attention to the cause and made it impossible for the government to ignore the group. However, the success of the suffragettes was limited because their violent methods led to many opponents arguing that women could not be trusted with the vote. Therefore, although this factor was very important in helping some women achieve the vote in 1918, it can be argued that women's war effort was more important. It can also be argued that other factors were important in helping some women achieve the right to vote in 1918 such as the suffragist campaign and also other countries giving women the right to vote.