How did the Representation of the People Act 1918 expand suffrage?

The Representation of the People Act 1918 expanded suffrage by giving the vote to all men over 21 and some women.

Before 1918, voting in Britain was limited to men who met certain property qualifications, which excluded a large portion of the population. The Representation of the People Act 1918 was a significant step towards a more democratic society. It granted the right to vote to all men over the age of 21, regardless of their property ownership or social status. This change meant that millions of working-class men could now participate in the electoral process for the first time.

The Act also made a historic move by extending the vote to women, although it was not yet on equal terms with men. Women over the age of 30 who met minimum property qualifications or were married to men who did were given the right to vote. This enfranchised about 8.4 million women, marking the first time women could vote in national elections in Britain. However, it would take another decade, with the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928, for women to gain equal voting rights with men.

The changes brought about by the 1918 Act were influenced by several factors, including the contributions of women during World War I and the ongoing suffrage movement. Women's significant roles in the war effort, such as working in munitions factories and serving as nurses, highlighted their capabilities and strengthened the argument for their right to vote. Additionally, the pre-war suffrage campaigns by groups like the Suffragettes and Suffragists had kept the issue in the public eye and pressured the government to act.

Overall, the Representation of the People Act 1918 was a landmark piece of legislation that dramatically expanded the electorate and laid the groundwork for further democratic reforms in Britain.