We look back over four of the biggest movements that educated the masses

The following movements may be different in their causes but they are united by their impacts - bringing huge societal change to the way the world thinks. If you still aren’t convinced by people power as a means of education, read on.

The Suffragettes

We often talk about how important it is to vote and get your voice heard - and it’s thanks to women of the early 20th century who campaigned tirelessly for us to be able to have this right. The term suffragette refers to members of the British Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), a women-only movement founded in 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst. Back then, there were many restrictions on who could vote from gender, age, race and social status, while the Suffragettes wanted women from all backgrounds and walks of life to be able to vote. Their moto ‘deeds not words’ was a move away from previously unsuccessful peaceful protests and saw them get arrested, breaking windows and blowing up post boxes. Then, in 1914 when World War I broke out, females took on jobs that men traditionally did whilst they were away fighting. As a result, attitudes towards women started to change - they were seen as capable after having contributed to keeping the country running at such a chaotic time. From 1918-1928, women could vote at the age of 30 with property qualifications or as graduates of UK universities. From 1928 women had equal suffrage with men.