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.
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