21st January 1908: Sullivan’s Ordinance in New York prohibits women from smoking in public places

Alderman Timothy Sullivan proposed the ordinance that made it illegal for proprietors or managers of hotels, restaurants, and other public places to allow women to smoke on their premises. Despite public opposition, the New York City Board of Aldermen voted for it unanimously.

1st December 1919: Lady Nancy Astor becomes the first female Member of Parliament to take her seat in the House of Commons

After a short campaign in which she won the election with 51.9% of the vote she entered the House of Commons on December 1, 1919, as a Unionist or Tory Member of Parliament.