By the middle of the 20th century, women's suffrage had been established as a norm of democratic governance. Extended political campaigns by women and their male supporters played a central role in changing public attitudes, altering norms, and achieving legislation or constitutional amendments for women's suffrage.

The first wave of women's suffrage took place 1893-1930, covering English-speaking countries, Scandinavian states, and some other parts of Europe. The experience of the First World War