Meaning: The quote provided refers to the early organized opposition to women's suffrage in England in the late 19th century. Millicent Fawcett, a prominent suffragist and activist, highlighted this historical event in her writings. The opposition to the extension of the parliamentary suffrage to women in 1889 is a significant moment in the broader struggle for women's rights and political participation.

In the late 19th century, the women's suffrage movement was gaining momentum in England. Advocates for women's rights, led by figures such as Millicent Fawcett, were campaigning for the extension of the parliamentary suffrage to include women. This would grant women the right to vote and participate in the political process, a right that had long been denied to them based on their gender.

However, as the suffrage movement gained traction, it also faced opposition, including from some women who were against the idea of women being granted the right to vote. The quote highlights the emergence of organized opposition to women's suffrage in 1889, led by a group of ladies, including Mrs. Ward, who appealed against the proposed extension of parliamentary suffrage to women.

The opposition to women's suffrage came from various sources, including concerns about the potential impact of women's participation in politics, traditional gender roles, and fears of societal upheaval. Some opponents argued that women's involvement in politics would disrupt the social order and traditional family structures. Others believed that women were not suited for the rough and tumble of politics and that their role should be confined to the domestic sphere.

The emergence of organized opposition to women's suffrage within the women's movement itself is a complex and noteworthy aspect of the suffrage struggle. It illustrates the diversity of opinions and perspectives among women at the time, as well as the broader societal resistance to expanding women's rights and political agency.

Millicent Fawcett, the author of the quote, was a key figure in the suffrage movement and the broader struggle for women's rights in England. She was a leading suffragist and founder of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), which advocated for women's suffrage through peaceful and constitutional means.

Fawcett's highlighting of the organized opposition to women's suffrage in 1889 serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the suffrage movement. It also underscores the importance of understanding the diverse perspectives within the women's movement and the broader societal forces that shaped debates around women's rights and political participation.

The opposition to women's suffrage did not ultimately derail the suffrage movement. Despite facing resistance, women continued to organize, protest, and advocate for their right to vote. The suffrage movement made significant strides in the following decades, leading to the eventual passage of the Representation of the People Act in 1918, which granted voting rights to certain women in the UK, and the Equal Franchise Act in 1928, which finally extended voting rights to all women on an equal basis with men.

In conclusion, the quote by Millicent Fawcett sheds light on the early organized opposition to women's suffrage in England and the complexities of the suffrage movement. It highlights the diverse perspectives within the women's movement and the broader societal challenges faced in the struggle for women's rights and political participation. Fawcett's work and the broader suffrage movement ultimately paved the way for significant advancements in women's rights and political agency.