Women in the First World War

Neil R. Storey, Molly Housego

ISBN 10: 0747807523 / ISBN 13: 9780747807520

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, GB, 2010

About this Item

As millions of young men marched off to war, they left behind mothers, wives, sisters, and sweethearts who were determined to contribute to the British cause. Women enrolled as nurses to treat wounded soldiers, and over 700,000 became workers in factories making munitions. Women also took on hundreds of jobs formerly done by men, such as bus conductors and billposters. Later in the war women were accepted into the armed services, serving behind the lines as auxiliaries. This book looks at the realities and the myths of the role of women in the war effort. Illustrated with archive photographs, this is an ideal introduction for anyone wanting to know more about the vital role played by women in the First World War.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780747807520

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Women in the First World War
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, GB
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0747807523
• ISBN 13: 9780747807520
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 166 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The First World War was the conduit for some of the most dramatic changes in the role of women in British society. Suffragettes gave up their militant protests to support the war effort, and from the moment war broke out women were ready; many had already trained as military and Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses. As more and more men left to serve in the armed forces more and more jobs, most of them pre-war preserves of men, were taken over by women, from postal deliveries to tram clippies, and delivery drivers to land workers.

The public outcry over the 'Shells Scandal' of 1915 led to unprecedented pressure to employ more women. The women were willing and 30,000 of them voiced their demand in one of the largest protest marches through London under the banner of 'We demand the right to serve.' And so they did, as the munitions factories expanded, and by the end of the war new military units such as the WAAC, WReNS and WRAF were created.

Told through historical documents, memoirs, photographs, uniforms and ephemera the authors present a study in empathy of those dramatic times, from women serving as nurses both at home and on the frontlines, to serving in weapons and other factories throughout Britain, to the uniforms and legacies of these brave volunteers.

About the Author

Neil R. Storey is an award-winning social historian and lecturer specialising in the impact of war on twentieth-century society. He has written over forty books, numerous articles for national magazines and academic journals and features as guest expert on television and radio programmes and documentaries.