There are many reasons why women were granted the vote in 1918. The traditional explanation was that the women had worked so hard in the world war. As a result the vote was given as some kind of reward.

Women did work very hard in the world war. 1915 was the first time that it was realised that women were needed to replace the men in the factories to quench 'The Shell Shortage' in France. After this women were employed in munitions factories; producing planes, weapons and ammunition. All at the expense of their health; many became very ill with lung diseases, dyed skin and some were unable to have children.

Women were recruited into the army for the first time, they became nurses, drivers or secretaries. They started working in `The Land Army' providing...