WOMEN DURING WWI - smccmodernhistory

WOMEN DURING WWI

WOMEN DURING WWI 

As the war went on, acute labour shortages developed. Women filled this need.



Many women became independent for the first time, earning more than before (but less than men). However, at war’s end, an attempt was made to return to the pre-war situation.

WOMEN DURING WWI 

Similarities between GBR & GER - Women gained more freedom (shorter hair, shorter skirts, smoking in public, going out unchaperoned). - Since 10% of males were killed, many found it difficult to marry or remarry. - At war’s end: GBR women over 30 & all women in GER gained right to vote. - Women became involved with politics. - Women contributed to war effort (working, nursing, volunteer work).

WOMEN DURING WWI 

Differences between GBR & GER - Levels of hardship varied greatly: rationing in GBR -vstarvation & fuel shortages in GER. - Mobilisation rate higher in GER. - Level of independence varied.

WOMEN DURING WWI WAR WORK: BRITAIN  Some objection from men & unions. 

Women had 3 kinds of jobs:  those normally done by men (eg. clerks, farming, policing)  War-related industries (60% of munitions workers)  Members of the army auxiliary.



Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) founded 1917. They worked in supply, transport, communications. No active duty but had ranks & uniform.

WOMEN DURING WWI WAR WORK: GERMANY  By 1916, worked in many ‘male’ occupations (eg. clerks, train guards, tram drivers, light industry, railway builders & miners). 

Dr Gertrude Baumer, head of largest women’s rights organisation, was asked to organise women for war work, which was done better than other nations:  1/3 of Krupp workers female  Sunday no longer a day of rest  10-hour days  Support for war declined after 1916.

WOMEN DURING WWI VOLUNTEER WORK: BRITAIN  Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) to give help to sick & wounded. Unpaid at first, then £20 a yr. Mostly middle/upper class who faced opposition from professional nurses. 

Volunteers to work on the land were not enough, so the Women’s Land Army was formed under govt control.

VOLUNTEER WORK: GERMANY (no info available)

WOMEN DURING WWI POLITICAL ACTIVITY: BRITAIN  Most suffragettes supported the war & organised to help by running hospitals, etc. 

Minority opposed the war, attempted to attend peace conferences & established organisations.



Women’s Peace Crusade (formed July 1916) organised huge anti-war demonstrations, gained some middle class support but actions met with hostility.

WOMEN DURING WWI POLITICAL ACTIVITY: GERMANY  Initially most supported the war. 

Rosa Luxemburg, socialist writer & politician was imprisoned.



Even though govt action -v- strikers was savage, women took part.

WOMEN DURING WWI SOCIAL CHANGES: BRITAIN  Some reduction in class barriers as number of domestic servants  & women from middle/working classes mixed through war & volunteer work. 

Women from all classes worked; many for 1st time, proved competent, conflict between men & women, paid less.

WOMEN DURING WWI SOCIAL CHANGES: BRITAIN  Employment led to independence. 

Suffrage for women in 1918.



Marriage patterns altered: divorces  (300%), man shortage.



More relaxed fashion (skirts, hair) & behaviour (public smoking).

WOMEN DURING WWI SOCIAL CHANGES: GERMANY  Class barriers reduced due to defeat & forced reforms: all women equal in legal/political terms. 

Women in towns faced food, clothing & fuel shortages.



By 1920, 11 million women in work. However, most jobs menial, paid less.

WOMEN DURING WWI SOCIAL CHANGES: GERMANY  Universal suffrage in 1919. 

Divorce rate  due to relaxation of divorce laws, war marriages &  in church attendance.



Social behaviour similar to GBR + single girls out unchaperoned.