The Common Cause (NUWSS newspaper)

The Common Cause was the official newspaper of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), the largest organisation campaigning for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom. Established in 1909, it served as a crucial platform for disseminating the NUWSS's message of peaceful and constitutional campaigning for the vote. The paper reported on the activities of suffrage societies across the country, including meetings, demonstrations, and lobbying efforts.

Beyond news and organisational updates, The Common Cause provided a forum for debate on various issues related to women's rights, social reform, and political philosophy. Articles covered topics such as education, employment, and citizenship, often challenging prevailing social norms and advocating for equality. Distinguished writers and thinkers contributed to the newspaper, furthering its intellectual reach and influence.

Its focus on reasoned argument and non-violent methods distinguished it from the more militant suffragette newspaper, Votes for Women, published by the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). The Common Cause aimed to appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, including men and women from different social classes, who supported women's suffrage through peaceful and democratic means.

Publication of The Common Cause continued until 1920, two years after some women in Britain were granted the right to vote. It remains a valuable historical resource for understanding the NUWSS and the wider suffrage movement in the UK. Digital archives of the newspaper are available for researchers and the public to access.