Women During World War 1 Essay Example

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The women regiments all agreed that they would prefer death to facing the likely fate at the hands of the Germans. Women played a crucial role in caring for the wounded, providing food and other necessities, operating telephones, entertaining troops, and working as journalists. These brave women took charge by creating their own methods and tools, convincing others to support their cause, and resourcefully acquiring supplies. They even formed new organizations where none existed before. Women assigned as canteen workers for the US Army were deemed virtuous individuals responsible for maintaining discipline among soldiers through entertainment, button-sewing, cigarette distribution, and sweets provision. The army faced challenges in keeping women away from direct combat and confining them to supportive roles.

Women disregarded commands to leave the troops they were caring for and would reappear after being sent to the rear. A few American women became shockingly bloodthirsty due to hearing tales of atrocities and being exposed to the impacts of combat. In hindsight, the American women displayed conflicting emotions of sorrow regarding the war. " (3) They were appalled by what they had witnessed, yet they were generally proud of their efforts and achievements.

Despite the presence of women near the front lines as nurses, their involvement in combat was rare. This lack of participation is not surprising, considering that historically women have been armed primarily during revolutions and invasions, which did not occur in Britain at this time. However, nursing experienced significant growth for women, especially those from lower classes who had the opportunity to receive a quick medical education and contribute more closely to the war effort. Although they were still

viewed as subservient to doctors and constrained by gender roles of that era, nursing allowed for an increased number of women in the field. The trenches' high concentration of male fighters resulted in numerous casualties on a daily basis.

During the war, courageous nurses were deployed to the front line where they fearlessly provided medical assistance to the injured despite the constant danger of stray bullets and enemy bombardments. In fulfilling their duties, these women often made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up their lives. Additionally, as witnesses to the horrors of war, these nurses directly experienced its devastating effects.

After witnessing the atrocities caused by this information, they were unable to go back to their normal lives. Women received no training or knowledge on how to defend their country or participate in frontline combat. Although they were spared from direct exposure to the horrors of war, advances in technology quickly closed the gap between the battlefields and suburban life. The bombing of Britain during World War One resulted in 1,414 deaths, which deeply traumatized women at that time. However, during World War Two, civilian casualties from bombing raids increased exponentially to 60 times more. Another distressing aspect was the difficult process of readjusting as their loved ones returned from war zones. Numerous men came back with various types of injuries.

Women played a significant role in supporting men during this time, shouldering the responsibility of caring for them as they lost their fathers, husbands, lovers, brothers, and sons. The impact of this war meant that life would never be the same for these women. However, they were not merely patriotic mothers confined to serving

their country through caregiving. They actively contributed to the war effort by working in factories, investing in war bonds, harvesting crops, and tending to the needs of soldiers on leave. Some even joined the armed forces themselves. Around 80,000 British women served in non-combatant roles across the three women's forces during World War One. Yet, these British women advocated for the right to receive rifle training and bear arms for home defense.

Women's talents were harnessed by the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV) in World War Two to train men in shooting, even though women were not allowed to join. Nevertheless, numerous women's organizations emerged to meet the need for a prepared home front. In conclusion, during World War One, women fulfilled various roles such as combat fighters and nurses on the dangerous front lines.

During the war, women assumed men's responsibilities at home, such as crop harvesting. They offered assistance to the men on the battlefield by sending care packages and uplifting letters. Despite witnessing distressing events and enduring great loss, these women endured and maintained a positive attitude. Whether they actively participated in combat or merely corresponded with the soldiers through letters, all of these women exemplify remarkable strength and inspiration. This underscores the significance of never underestimating the power, resilience, and determination of women.