Pankhurst recognized the importance of flexibility in war times, and used patriotism instead of militancy to promote women's rights.

The Last March

Abandoning hopes of parliamentary progress,  in May 1914 the WSPU announced plans to petition the king directly. Pankhurst led a deputation of hundreds to Buckingham Palace where police violently engaged them and over sixty women were arrested.
"Arrested at the gates of the palace – tell the King"
– Emmeline Pankhurst, as she was carried off by police
The march on Buckingham Palace proved to be the last mass demonstration of the Women's Suffrage Movement.
Hover for caption.
Emmeline Pankhurst Arrested, 1914, Women's Suffrage Movement

A New Direction During the Great War

After war was declared on August 4, 1914 Pankhurst called for an immediate halt of militant action so the WSPU could support the war effort. 
"The struggle for the full enfranchisement of women has not been abandoned; it has simply, for the moment, been placed in abeyance. When the clash of arms ceases, when normal, peaceful, rational society resumes its functions, the demand will again be made. If it is not quickly granted, then once more the women will take up the arms they to-day generously lay down."
– Emmeline Pankhurst, My Own Story
Pankhurst, working with the government, led a "Call to Women" procession with banners emblazoned with the slogan "We Demand to Serve."
Hover for captions.
1. Munitions Workers during World War 1,1916, Lebrecht Music & Art
2. Female WWI munition workers on break, 1917, National Geographic Vintage
3. Women War Workers, 1917, Hulton-Deutsch Collection
“There is an idea abroad that what is now occurring will give a new impetus to female industrial labour. Women will prove their industrial (and professional) adaptability, and realize that through their growing industrial power they may soon obtain social and political privileges that have been denied to them heretofore" 
– The Englishwoman, July 1915
The WSPU fought for better working conditions and equal pay for women, and continued to press for enfranchisement.
Click to enlarge. Hover for caption.
These Women Are Doing Their Bit War Effort Poster, Hulton-Deutsch Collection
Click to enlarge. Hover for caption.
"On her their lives depend" War Effort Poster, Hulton-Deutsch Collection

The End

"The heroic patriotism of the women workers during the war had now made their claim irresistible."
– Prime Minister Lloyd George
After the war, legislation enfranchising some women was passed. Feeling that her work was done, Pankhurst faded out of the suffrage movement after the war to focus on other issues.
"She politically had moved in such a Conservative direction. She was very satisfied with the first suffrage bill that was passed in 1918 that gave older, elite women the vote."
– Barbara Winslow, Interview, on Emmeline Pankhurst after World War I
However, Pankhurst's leadership would continue to influence newer organizations fighting for equal enfranchisement.