Women During WWI Full DBQ

Document 1: "Votes for Heroines as well as Heroes," cover illustration, Votes for Women, weekly magazine, November 26, 1915.

​It is also my opinion that women's work should not be overestimated. Almost all intellectual work, heavy physical labor, as well as all real manufacturing work will still fall on men—in addition to the entire waging of the war. It would be good if clear, official expression were given to these facts and if a stop were put to women's agitation for parity in all professions, and thereby, of course, for political emancipation. . . . After the war, we will still need the woman as spouse and mother. I thus strongly support those measures, enacted through law, prerogative, material aid, etc., aimed at that effect. In spite of the strong opposition to such measures, it is here that vigorous action needs to be taken in order to extinguish the influence of this female rivalry, which disrupts the family. . . . If I nevertheless urge that the requirement to work be extended to all women who are either unemployed or working in trivial positions, now and for the duration of the war, I do so because, in my opinion, women can be employed in many areas to a still greater degree than previously and men can thereby be freed for other work. 

​The task of the peasant woman is heavy, and for the past eighteen months they have accomplished it admirably, although perhaps today with a little more lassitude. In 1914, some of the field work was completed by the men before they left for war, by the young soldiers of the class of 1915 . . . who were still there to do their fair share of the work. The summer of 1915 was more difficult to get through; the mourning, the deep anxiety pressed on these peasant women, many of them knowing today that the empty places at the hearth will stay that way forever. Despite the crushing weight of physical and emotional fatigue, they continued, with few exceptions, to face up to the necessities of the war.

​Munition Wages

Earning high wages?

Yes, five pounds* a week.

A woman, too, mind you,

5

I calls it damn sweet. 

You're asking some questions--

But bless you, here goes:

I spends the whole racket

10

On good times and clothes. 

We're all here today, mate,

Tomorrow—perhaps dead,

If Fate tumbles on us

15

And blows up our shed. 

Afraid! Are you kidding?

With money to spend!

Years back I wore tatters,

20

Now—silk stockings my friend!

Worth while, for tomorrow

If I'm blown to the sky,

I'll have repaid my wages

25

​ In death—and pass by. 

​ Whatever you do, don't go in Munitions [manufacturing] or anything in that line—just fill a Woman's position and remain a woman—don't develop into one of those "things" that are doing men's work, as I told you in one of my letters, long ago. I want to return and find the same loveable little woman that I left behind—not a coarse thing more of a man than a woman—I love you because of your womanly little ways and nature, so don't spoil yourself by carrying on with a man's work—it's not necessary. 

​The Colonel gave the signal. But the men on my right and to the left of Captain Petrov would not move. They replied to the Colonel's order with questions and expressions of doubts as to the wisdom of advancing. 

The cowards!

​We decided to advance in order to shame the men, having arrived at the conclusion that they would not let us perish in No Man's Land. . . . Some of my girls were killed outright, many were wounded. . . . We swept forward and overwhelmed the first German line, and then the second . . . our regiment alone captured two thousand prisoners.

Document 7: Women as percentage of industrial workforce in France, 1911 - 1926.