Women in World War I Roles and Rights

Front

What changed in gender roles as a result of WW1?

Back

Replacement of Men In Workforce

Answer explanation

• Women became nurses, spies, along with taking on the role that men had in society while taking care of the house and children.

• Women started to dress more casual and more comfortable

• Women worked in munitions factories, transportations, and other industrial forces that were associated with the war.

• Women had increased independence and social freedom

Front

What was the name of the group of women who were employed in the U.S. Army Signal Corp as long-distance switchboard operators in France?

Back

Hello Girls

Answer explanation

Although this is not the answer to this question, there may be questions coming up relating to the topic of Land Girls. The Land girls were women who Joined the WLAA in 1917 to support the changing needs agriculturally in the U.S. 

The Hello Girls were bilingual switchboard operators who were widely known for their professionalism and efficiency during WWI, always greeting their callers with a polite “Hello” regardless of whether they were demanding or not. Their fluency in both English and French enabled seamless communication between the American and French military forces on the front lines of WWI. Recruited by the U.S army Signal Corps, their work greatly improved the communication in the military and contributed to the overall success of winning the war. Despite their significant contributions they remained unrecognized as veterans of the war, until the late 19th century (1977)-- their legacy remains as a symbol/reminder of/for how much women contributed/played a vital role in U.S. military history.

Front

What Right Did Women Earn After WW1?

Back

Voting

Answer explanation

After WWI women gained the right to vote as recognition for all their contributions they had during the war. While men were serving in war, women took on the essential roles as factory workers, agricultural workers and nurses. By having experience in these positions and proving their capability, they were able to use it as leverage to pressure the government into granting them political rights. As a result, on August 18th, 1920 the 19th amendment was ratified, granting women to vote, marking a turning point in gender equality.

Front

During World War I, the U.S. government established the Women’s Land Army to recruit women for agricultural work and counter food shortages.

Back

True

Answer explanation

The Women’s Land Army of America (WLAA) was created during WWI to fight labor shortages in agriculture as men went off to war. Farmerettes were recruited from towns and cities and trained in farming techniques to work on farms across the country. Unlike traditional unpaid family labor, these women received wages for their farm work and were part of an organized effort to sustain food production. The WLAA was inspired by Britain’s Women’s Land Army and was supported by groups like the Women’s National Farm and Garden Association. Though it broke up after the war, it was a model for women’s involvement in agriculture.

Front

How did communist nations like China and the Soviet Union promote gender equality?

Back

Encouraged Women into Workforce

Answer explanation

Communist nations like the soviet union and china promoted gender equality through legal reforms, workforce inclusion and education. The Soviet Union granted women's voting rights, divorce, and property ownership while encouraging them to work in factories, agriculture and even the military.  In contrast during WW1 american women temporarily entered the workforce and military support roles, but lost these jobs after the war. But these contributions helped drive the passing of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting voting rights to women.