Lydia Becker

Overview

Lydia Becker born Chadderton, Lancashire, England February 23, 1827 (d. 1890). English suffrage leader, scientist, and peace advocate. Opposed Franco-Prussian War, 1870-71; Bosnia War, 1876; first Boer War, 1878.

Quotations

“An unnecessary war is a national crime. Shall women be dragged into this crime against their consent? A war involves heavy and grinding taxation. . . A war involves bereavement and misery.” (Englishwoman’s Review, Feb. 1, 1878, in Heloise Brown, The Truest Form of Patriotism, p. 34; portrait Girton College)