In 1889, Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women's Franchise League. It's main mission was to win the right to vote. She also founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903. It was known for it's more militant tactics like breaking windows and burning buildings. At that time in history, property was more important than the lives of women. Realizing this, Emmeline Pankhurst encouraged women to bring attention to their cause by any means. She, along with at least 1000 of her followers, endured brutality by police and force feedings in prison. They were willing to go as far as it took to raise attention for their cause. Though I'm not a proponent of violence or property destruction, it seemed at the time that property destruction was the only clear message that got the attention of those who could make a difference.