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Fighting for the Vote

The movement for women's started in the middle of the 19lh century and reached its peak by the beginning of the 20* century. The women, who were fighting for were called . At first they tried to use and peaceful methods letters to the Parliament. Later they developed new methods and ideas.

In 1903, Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters Christabel and Sylvia

showed the methods of suffragettes — they encouraged other women to break the law. Suffragettes painted their slogan "VOTE FOR WOMEN" on the walls and broke shop windows. Some women chained themselves to the railings outside Parliament and 10 Downing Street. Many suffragettes were put into . This gave for the case. The first for the vote was a suffragette Emily Davidson, who ran in front of the King's horse on Derby Day in June 1913 and was killed.

Long struggle ended with victory. In 1918, the British Parliament passed the law which gave women over 30 the right to . Ten years later, in 1928, this right was given to women of 21.

Death of Edward VII. King George V

In 1909, the political situation in England was developing into a constitutional crisis brought about by the refusal of the Conservative majority in the House of Lords to pass the Liberal budget of 1909. This crisis involved the Crown into serious difficulties — King Edward was disturbed in mind and health by the progress of events.

The public hoped that King's tact and experience would help to bring order, but Edward's illness progressed. Finally, he died on May 6, 1909, of the heart failure. For his successful negotiations with many foreign countries resulted in friendly relations Edward VII got the title "Edward the Peacemaker".

After Edward's death his eldest son George V was made his heir to the throne. Later he changed the family name of his father Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor because during World War I it was thought better for British King not to have a German-sounding name.

George V's reign began amid the constitutional crisis — now the House of Lords refused to pass a Parliament Bill limiting its powers. Finally, with the help of new King this crisis was overcome.

George V ruled the country from 1910 to 1936, in difficult years of World War I and after it. He played a conciliatory role in conflicts with Ireland and in General Strike. After his death his eldest son Edward became the English King Edward VIII. Edward, who was a professional pilot, created the King's Flight (now known as 32 The Royal Squadron) in 1936 to provide air transport for the Royal family's official duties.

In 1930, the Prince had met and fallen in love with a married American woman, Mrs Wallis Simpson. She obtained a divorce in 1936 and it was clear that Edward was determined to marry her. Edward had to choose between the Crown and Mrs Simpson who as a twice-divorced woman would not have been acceptable as Queen.

On December 11, 1936, Edward abdicated — he and any children he might have were excluded from succession to the throne. In 1937, Edward was created the Duke of Windsor and married Wallis Simpson.

After Edward's abdication the Crown passed to his younger brother George, who was crowned as George VI.

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