Who led the suffrage movement in Britain during the early 20th century?

Emmeline Pankhurst was a pivotal figure in the British suffrage movement during the early 20th century, known for her militant tactics and leadership of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), which she founded in 1903. Pankhurst’s activism was characterized by a more confrontational approach to securing women's right to vote, including marches, protests, and hunger strikes. This methodology distinguished her from other suffragists and played a crucial role in drawing public attention to the cause.

In contrast, although Millicent Fawcett also significantly contributed to the suffrage movement, she led a more moderate campaign through organizations like the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS). Florence Nightingale is renowned for her contributions to nursing and healthcare rather than the suffrage movement, while Virginia Woolf, though a prominent literary figure and feminist thinker, did not directly lead the suffrage movement in Britain but rather engaged in broader discussions about women's rights. Thus, Pankhurst's leadership and activism directly impacted the suffrage movement's trajectory, making her the correct answer.