Module 02: Should Women Vote? The Politics of Suffrage

Evidence 12: "A Leap-Year Proposal" From Anti-Suffrage Review, May 1912

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Questions to Consider

  • What does the cartoon indicate about the effectiveness of the tactics of the militant suffragettes?

  • J.B. stands for John Bull, a figure representing England. Why is he depicted as receiving a proposal from the woman, and what is his reponse meant to indicate about popular attitudes toward the suffrage campaign?

Document

Woman on left holding a hammer speaking to John Bull figure on the right. Debris on the ground between both figures.

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Caption:
A Leap-Year Proposal.
Militant Suffragette: "I have smacked policemen, broken windows, assaulted Ministers, broken up meetings, done time, shouted myself hoarse — to prove myself a fit mate for you! Will you have me?" J.B. "No thank you!"

Source:
"A Leap-Year Proposal," Anti-Suffrage Review (May 1912).

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