Women of WWI facts for kids

Women played a very important part in World War I, even though they weren't usually allowed to fight in battles. Women from countries like America, Britain, Belgium, and Italy stepped up to help their nations during this huge global conflict.

At first, some women's groups in Britain weren't happy about their country going to war. But once the war started, women quickly took over many jobs that men usually did. This was because the men went off to fight. These men were promised their jobs back when they returned home. In the United States, when they first joined WWI, there was some hesitation about using women's help. Before the war, women's rights weren't a big focus.

How Women Helped in the War

Women helped in many different ways during World War I. They showed incredible bravery and dedication.

Nurses and Support Staff

Many women became nurses, caring for wounded soldiers from their own side. They worked in hospitals, on troop trains, and even on ships that transported soldiers. Over 30,000 American women joined the Army, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard. They did this even before women in the U.S. had the right to vote.

Working on the Home Front

Women also took on jobs that were usually done by men. They worked in offices, keeping things organized, and in factories, making important supplies for the war. This included things like weapons, uniforms, and other equipment.

Women's Impact on Voting Rights

The brave service of women in the military greatly helped the movement for women's right to vote in America. Their efforts pushed for the 19th Amendment to be passed, which finally gave women the right to vote. Even President Woodrow Wilson was convinced by their courage and supported women's suffrage (the right to vote).

Women Overseas

More than 25,000 American women served in Europe during WWI. They continued to nurse the wounded and made sure the military had enough food and other supplies. Some women felt very strongly about joining the fighting, but they weren't allowed to be combat soldiers because of their gender.

Changes for Women After the War

World War I brought some big changes for women, especially in places like Britain. Before the war, women were often seen mostly as mothers or just "girly." But after seeing how much women contributed during the war, their image changed. They were seen as stronger and more capable.

The movement for women's rights, sometimes called the feminist movement, didn't get a huge boost right after the war. However, it did keep the progress it had made. The world wars definitely shook up how men and women were seen in society, but these changes were mostly temporary.

Images for kids

• 

  German women in 1917, working as assistants to the war effort

• 

  Women working in a gas mask factory in Geneva, Switzerland

• 

  Lottie Meade, munitions worker who died of TNT poisoning

• 

  Ottoman Red Crescent and Red Cross staff at Hafir el Aujah.

See also

In Spanish: Papel de la mujer en la Primera Guerra Mundial para niños