Women's Lives During WW1 History Essay Example

WWI started in 1914 and ended in 1918 with the Peace Treaty of Versailles. The main countries that participated in the war were the British Empire, France, the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, Italy, Russia, Japan, and the U.S, who joined towards the end of the war. The main causes of WWI were related to militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism, and the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. Specifically, for the alliances, the U.S. supported France and Britain by sending supplies and fresh troops. As per the imperialism, Germany was able to take over the land of France and Belgium, and other European countries leading to the destruction of cities and villages that were overrun by the German army. Soldiers were forced to fight under terrible conditions, both physically and psychologically. In summary, WWI did not improve the lives of people. However, it did change the lives of women, who were not allowed to have any job or role in society other than taking care of their families and household (Patriarchy). However, this all changed during WWI. While the lives of Non-Europeans women were somewhat changed by WWI because most men had to leave their households, overall WWI more greatly changed the lives of European women because they had more job opportunities, including technicians in the industry, nurses, and assistants at the war front, could fight as men in some countries and had less religious limitations. 

One way that the lives of women during WWI were more greatly impacted and changed was because they were offered job opportunities that were traditionally given to men only. However, since most of the men were at the front fighting, women were needed to support the industrial production and help at the war front. For instance, women in Great Britain often found themselves substituting men in industrial activities. Women also served overseas as nurses. These were the two most common ways for British women to participate in WWI (Women in Great Britain 505). Similar to Great Britain, women in Russia were also given different jobs/roles during WWI. Russia was the only country in WWI to employ women as soldiers directly at the war front. Eugenie Shakhovskaya was the first woman to become a military pilot when she flew reconnaissance missions in 1914. Additionally, in May of the year 1917, Maria Bochkareva was able to persuade a new Russian Leader to let her form a Women's Battalion and she was able to enroll about 2,000 women in her Battalion to fight in the war (Women in Russia 505). Taken together, this evidence demonstrates a significant change for women because they were involved in different and unusual activities. Before WWI, most women would care for their household and their young children. However, during the war, since most of the men were fighting at the war front, women were requested to work in industry and were given the chance to join the army, working as nurses and assistants. Moreover, the evidence shows that women during WWI could fight in the army, just like men, demonstrating their courage, strength, and determination. 

Although the evidence above clearly proves that European women were more impacted by WWI, some historians may have a different interpretation. They may point out that the lives of Non-European women were more greatly changed in terms of freedom in societal roles. For instance, Women in the Ottoman Empire gained more freedom during WWI. They were allowed to work in industrial jobs, could go to school, and remove their veils (Women in the Ottoman Empire). However, this interpretation fails to acknowledge that only some women were, allowed to work in industrial jobs due to the lack of industries in the Ottoman Empire as compared to Great Britain, France, and Germany. Also, religious beliefs were more strict in the Ottoman Empire than in Europe limiting the freedom of women even during WWI. In reality, Non-European women did not have the same job opportunities as European women. In addition to working in the industry, women were also massively employed as nurses helping the wounded soldiers (Women in Austria-Hungary). The evidence above demonstrates that the life of non-European women did change during WWI but these changes were less common and impacted a lower percentage of women. The industrialization of the Ottoman Empire was not as much as that of Great Britain, France, and Germany. Therefore only a small portion of women was given jobs in the industry. Importantly, the life of non-European women was limited by local habits and religious beliefs. 

Women's life changed dramatically during World War I. It was believed that women should and could conduct only a few activities, such as staying at home to care for their families, educating their children, and administering the household. However, this patriarchal organization of society changed during the war. Men were called at the war front, and women had the opportunity to greatly improve their role in society and freedom. My argument is significant, as it teaches that moments of crisis, like a dramatic war, could favor the development of society and bring important changes. This was the case of Women in Europe during WWI. Henceforth, it also demonstrates that one should not judge another just on what they believe.