National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies

The National Union of Wonen's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) is commonly known as the Suffragists (not to be confused with the suffragettes). 1897 saw a turning point for the NUWSS, when Millicent Fawcett linked up many local societies into a national party. She was the president of the society for over 20 years, and by 1914 there were in excess of 400 branches throughout the country, with over 100,000 members. The organisation was democratic, aiming to achieve womens suffrage through peaceful and legal means. Many of the members were middle class, but by no means all of them, with some working class members. There were also some male members (forbidden in the suffragettes).