Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Fin Taylor and Horatio Gould present a historical overview of the British suffragette movement, focusing on the formation of the WSPU, the militant tactics of figures like Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst, and the opposition they faced from politicians and anti-suffragist writers. The hosts explore how early-20th-century women engaged in hunger strikes, window-smashing campaigns, and physical assaults using dog whips and hatpins against government figures, while analyzing these events through a comedic and highly skeptical lens.
- The vote for women was built on a foundation of intense militancy and radical actions. 1:50
- The suffragettes weaponized hunger strikes in prison to pressure authorities and avoid martyrdom. 34:08
- Edith Garrod trained a bodyguard unit of women in martial arts to shield Emmeline Pankhurst. 41:55
- The Great Window Smashing Campaign of 1912 involved coordinated attacks on shop windows using hidden hammers. 54:21
Chapters
- 0:00Podcast Introduction and Host Greeting
Hosts introduce the episode and set the stage for a discussion on women's suffrage.
- 1:10Transition to Suffrage Discussion
Hosts shift focus to the historical context of women's suffrage in the UK.
- 3:08Early Women's Rights Milestones
The hosts outline key early legal and educational milestones for women in the late 19th century.
- 21:19Rise of the Suffragettes and Militant Tactics
Hosts cover the formation of the WSPU, key figures, and the escalation to militant actions.
- 29:54Anti‑Suffragist Arguments and Figures
Discussion of prominent anti‑suffragists and their reasoning against women's voting rights.
- 34:13Hunger Strikes and Force‑Feeding
Exploration of suffragette hunger strikes, the introduction of force‑feeding, and the resulting public backlash.
- 47:49Sexual Dynamics and Dinner Etiquette
The hosts discuss how women desire both respect and sexual fulfillment, debating the ideal dinner partner and the awkwardness of explicit language during intimacy.
- 48:42Curry, Gaviscon, and Sexual Humor
A comedic digression about cooking, digestive aids, and the absurdity of bringing food references into sexual conversations.
- 49:13Male Suffragettes and Historical Figures
Hosts explore the role of male supporters like Keir Hardie and Hugh Franklin, critiquing their attitudes and the broader male feminist archetype.
- 54:14Window Smashing Campaign and Symbolic Violence
The discussion turns to the 1912 Great Window Smashing Campaign, using metaphors about windows, muffs, and the militant tactics of suffragettes.
- 57:40Dominatrix Tactics and Suffragette Whipping
Hosts recount instances of suffragettes using whips against political figures, linking these acts to early dominatrix practices and the broader militant strategy.
- 58:11Political Targeting and Terrorist Labeling
The conversation covers specific attacks on Asquith, Churchill, and other politicians, framing suffragette actions as terrorism and discussing public perception.
Highlights
- 1:50
Suffrage Built on Terrorisminsight
The hosts claim that the vote women enjoy today is built entirely on the backs of domestic terrorism.
- 13:43
Scientific Arguments Against Suffragedata
Quoting evolutionary biologist Georges Roman, the hosts discuss 1887 arguments that women possessed lower intellectual capacity due to a slightly lower average brain weight.
- 16:40
Founding the WSPUstory
Emmeline Pankhurst founds the WSPU in 1903, marking the beginning of the militant suffragette movement.
- 34:09
Hunger Strikes as a Tacticstrategy
Suffragettes begin refusing food in prison, leading to government force-feeding policies and the creation of hunger strike medals.
- 41:55
Jujitsu Bodyguards for Protectionstory
Edith Garrod trains an all-female martial arts bodyguard unit known as the Amazons to protect Emmeline Pankhurst from police detention.
- 42:58
Over 300 women march to Parliament on November 18, 1910, resulting in massive street clashes and numerous arrests.
- 54:21
Window Smashing Campaignstrategy
In 1912, suffragettes launch a coordinated attack on shop windows, concealing hammers in their muffs and handbags.
- 57:54
Whipping Government Figuresstory
Suffragettes use dog whips to attack prominent political figures, including Winston Churchill and Prime Minister H. H. Asquith.
Quotes
“Yep. It's one of the most successful winjas of all time, to be honest.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:23 “And more votes does not mean better outcomes.”
Unnamed speaker · 2:24 “The first woman gets a degree. 30 years.”
Unnamed speaker · 4:17 “So July the 5th, 1909, the first suffragette goes on a hunger strike for 91 hours in prison.”
Unnamed speaker · 34:13 “And that's, that's what, I think that's all women ask for is they want both and men”
Unnamed speaker · 47:43 “I want to fuck your pussy, but then I kind of start, I cringe”
Unnamed speaker · 48:01 “So ladies, if you want to be cooked to curry, get you a man who can do both, cook you a curry, then fuck you and ask if you're burpy”
Unnamed speaker · 49:09 “And in 1912, we have the Great Window Smashing Campaign”
Unnamed speaker · 54:14
Sponsored segments
- Surfshark 10:30–12:29
- Patreon 1:00:24–1:01:15
About this episode
Introducing The Suffragettes, AKA the first annoying women. The Suffragettes (Part One) This episode of Fin vs History is brought to you by Surfshark. Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code FVH for an extra 4 months at https://surfshark.com/fvh The show for people who like history but don't care what actually happened. The show for people who like history but don't care what actually happened. For weekly bonus episodes, ad-free listening and early access to series, become a Truther and sign up to the Patreon https://www.patreon.com/fintaylor Link to our merch here: fumblerooskiproductions.com/store Chapters: 00:00 - Fannyban 05:33 - You Can’t Imprison Your Wife? 07:47 - Stand Up! 10:34 - The First Fanny 16:38 - Awoo!! 20:46 - Spit On That Thang 23:55 - I Paid For Everything 28:02 - Weaponising Girl Dinner 32:48 - Jumped Off? 37:21 - Jiu Jitsu 39:54 - Bit Burpy 46:55 - Male Suffragettes 51:06 - Emily Spankhurst Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcript
11,766 words · 4 speakers
Topics
- Black Friday
- Kristallnacht
- Anschluss
- Primark
- Men's Political Union for Women's Enfranchisement
- Dublin
- Euston Station
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated