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The fight for recognition, 1914 to 28

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The First World War changed the position of many groups in Britain, from women and working-class men to ethnic minorities and disabled people.

Voting rights

The Representation of the People Act (1918) gave the vote to all men over 21 and to women over 30 who met a property qualification.
The Equal Franchise Act (1928) gave women the vote on the same terms as men, at 21.

Women and education

The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act (1919) said women could not be barred from professions such as law because of their sex.
The Education Act (1918) raised the school leaving age to 14 and expanded schooling for working-class children.

Ethnic minorities and disabled people

Many soldiers from the Empire served in the war. In 1919 there were race riots in port cities.
The Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act (1919) tightened controls on foreigners.
Hundreds of thousands of soldiers returned with physical disabilities or mental trauma; charities and some government schemes helped, but support was limited.
Worked example

Explain how the First World War helped women gain the vote.

  1. Women did vital war work in factories and services.
  2. This changed attitudes about their role.
  3. The 1918 Act gave the vote to many women over 30.

Answer: Women's war work changed attitudes and helped win the 1918 vote.

Key idea

1918: all men over 21 and some women over 30 could vote; 1928: equal voting at 21. The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act (1919) opened professions; the Education Act (1918) raised the leaving age to 14. 1919 race riots and the Aliens Act; disabled ex-servicemen received limited support.

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