Friday, March 5, 2010
Unit 9 WWI and Interwar Years
Part I: Analyze the impact of World War I on women in the Western world. How did it affect their self-perception? How did it affect societies' perceptions of women? Consult Diane Atkinson, Historian on Suffragettes (1) Diane Atkinson, Historian (2) and Gail Braybon, Author on Women's Contribution to the War Effort.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
48 comments:
Considering the lack of men at home during the first World War, women were required to take up many working positions that were considered overwhelmingly masculine by many. Often, women would take production jobs in factories, often creating the very weapons that their men were using to kill their enemies. The same, though in perhaps greater numbers, would repeat in World War II. Women were constantly being compared to, and often found equal to men, if not better. These ideas of women's masculinity would cause a mild spread of fear through the social and conservative classes of the potential (both negative, and positive) that women have when they are put in positions of potential success and power.
World War I would be a follow up spark to the newly positive development of women's rights and social standing to that of the Women's Rights movement that took place prior and during the Great War. As many women were being asked to take over the working roles of men at home, they would eventually realize that they did many of the jobs as well, if not better than the men. This would most likely distill a sense of independence and pride in the women; so much so that there would be more of a push for possession by women of objects and properties that would traditionally pass to the male heirs. In the years between 1915 and 1920, beyond the end of the war, there was a doubling in the number of female property owners, due to the need of maintenance of farms and small businesses.
I think that the First World War had both a positive and negative impact on societies' perceptions of women. The negative impacts were that women couldn’t vote. People thought that women's brains were too small for them to vote, and that they couldn’t make a reasoned judgment when it came to an election. Another negative perception that society had on women was the Race Suicide Argument, this was the idea that if women got into politics and voting they would stop getting married and having children. This, of course, was a ludicrous idea.
The positive perceptions that society had on women were that they were being compared as equals to men. They too were working in factories. They were getting cut and dirt under their fingernails, they had an important part in the war that their husbands, brothers and sons were fighting in, and they knew it. They knew that they were important.
I agree with what caracara14 said about women being perceived as masculine. Some of the jobs they took were mainly jobs meant for men and now that some women had them, they weren’t look at the same anymore.
At the beginning of World War I, the role of women seemed to be of minor importance to many people. By the end of the war, women proved that their range of practical and leadership skills were invaluable. Women were judged by their beauty rather than by their ability. Their position and status were directed towards maintaining the annual duties of the family and children. These duties consisted of cleaning and caring for the house, caring for the young, cooking for the family, maintaining a yard, and sewing clothing for all. Women had worked in textile industries and other industries as far back as 1880, but had been kept out of heavy industries and other positions involving any real responsibility. Just before the war, women began to break away from the traditional roles they had played. As men left their jobs to serve their country in war, women replaced their jobs. Women filled many jobs that were brought into existence by wartime needs. As a result, the number of women employed greatly increased in many industries.
I agree with what caracara14 said about women being known as masculine. Many of the jobs that they took on were jobs that the men left behind; and i believe that it showed a lot to those who feared the outbreak of women leaving their homes.
i agree with what RachelFaria said about women being equally compared to as men because most women did take over the jobs the men had, women were also able to vote as a "reward" in most countries.
During World War 1, women had to replace men working role around the house,which lead people to think that women are just as intelligent as men. Women were also involved in aiding men injuries and creating their fighting materials. Even though the women didn't really know what the war was about they still felt that they had to take serious action to make sure there husbands made back okay.Therefore, women felt like they had to replaced men for the time being which lead to many female landowners.
Because women were being compared to men as equals, women felt that they deserved the right to vote. However, men felt that women could not go in to politics because they weren't intelligent enough or because they feared that women would give up they're women jobs. Such as marriage and raising there kids. Therefore, I believe that the ideas of women's masculinity was more negative than positive because it feared many people specifically men.
-Leah Metters-
As World War I began and men were sent out into war, working positions back at home were left opened. Positions in areas such as the textile factories and in farming were left in need of workers;this is where the women played their part. Women took the positions that were considered musculine. In some casees, women did better than men in those working postions. Women even took positions as muntion workers, in which they produced military equipment for those in combat. All these positions posed great dangers to the lives of these women, and yet they still took the responsibility. By taking these positions, women could now say that they are capable of working at the same standard as the men. This could have been one of the factors that sparked the womens sufferage movement. Women basically proved that they had the potential to be equals, and that in some cases, their potential could make them superior.
I agree with what caracara14 said about the idea of women's masculinity becoming a fear throughout Europe. Even as early as the Renaissance, women made men fear that women would be put in positions of power.
I also agree with what aliciamendoza said about women being judged on their appearances rather then their abilities. A womens role was usually to look presentable and civilized. This all changed as women showed their abilities during WWI
As with most wars, the men were absent fighting busy fighting the war while Women and children were stuck at home. With the lack of domestic man power women were the only alternative. These women helped work in the factories used to create machines and/or weapons of war. Although taking up jobs men would normally take, I have to disagree with caracara14 in that I don't think by this time women were making much gains political wise. I don't think that women were seen as "equal". If this was truly the case. However, the suffrage was definitely picking up steam and of course eventually got the right to vote. I DO agree with the fact that women were looking more capable of doing more things. I agree with LeahPeah in that it gave a sense that women could do more than cook, clean, and take care of the kids. It helped stop the idea that women were too governed by there physiology and that they could make wise decisions...decisions that were smarter than men in some cases. The War brought out the best in women, but war also brought the but war also brings the worst in men.
Thanks for stepping up you guys. Too bad the others are lagging behind thus far. Keep the blogs coming.
World War I had an impact on women because they were able to become more responsible and they had more opportunities to work. Since men were in war, women had to work in factories to create weapons and other materials for war. this gave women a better reputation and more respect from men.these ideas spread out about women throughout western europe. thanks to WWI, women's rights started to increase and women felt much more better than they did before WWI due to the respect they earned.
i agre with caracara14 because women were compared to and often equal to men due to their new jobs. i also agree with her because women's respect caused probably caused fear in other social classes.
i agree with aliciamendoza because women were put below men before the war. after the war, the men were thankful for women because they helped men by taking factory jobs and creating weapons for the soldiers. women had to prove themselves to men and they did .
At the beginning of WW1 women were seen as inferior to men. But as time went on women started to take on jobs that men would normally do. If though women were allowed to take on jobs that men normally did, jobs that were considered masculine, women still were not allowed to vote. Women were thought to have smaller brains than men and also men thought that if women were involved in politics than they would stop gettng married. If women stopped getting married than they wouldn't have kids and the human race would die out. This argument was known as the Race suicide argument. As WWI kept on going the jobs that women were performing got dangerous and as women perfromed these jobs women were seen as sometimes equal to men. Society started to see women in a new light. People started realizing that women could do jobs that men. WWI had a great impact on women and showed hat women were equal to men. Even if some people felt threatened.
I agree with Caracara14 with how she says that women took on jobs that were considered masculine. And also how the demand fir women to take on jobs that were normally for men increased. Many people were scared by his idea and felt threatened by this idea.
I also agree with Rachel Faria. She stated that a negative was that women couldn't vote since many people felt threatened and were scared of this idea. Many thought the human race would die. This was one thing that showed how people were ignorant and scared of change.
Throughout the previous centuries, women were looked down as weaker than men, both intellectually and physically. However, as WWI progressed, many domestic affairs of the country were left to women. These jobs were usually done by men and proved that women were in fact, on the par with men. However, many people argued that women would neglect domestic duties of the home. This set back most of the progress that women had earned. However, idea that women were equal to men didn't die out.
During WWI, women played the masculine role of men. Gail Braybon also stated that the emergence of the war liberated women all around Europe. As their family and friends took part on the battlefield, women helped support their countries by taking commission and working in munitions factories. Because of the growing idea of militarianism, countries across Europe were at somewhat of an "Arms Race." However, women still did not have all their rights. The opposition against female suffrage or the right to vote, was still frowned upon. According to Atkinson, many of the most intelligent people believed that if women were to get involved in politics, then the human race would eventually die out since all women were to Europe at the time was a mother. Society had still not opened up to the idea that women were also equal human beings that deserved the rights they have now. An argument that was often used against women in politics was that women were unable to make clear-cut decisions due to menstruation and child rearing. Other women called Suffragettes, were more radical in their quest for female suffrage in Europe. They went through hunger strikes, vandalized artwork, and even went so far as burning down whole buildings to get their opinions out there. Although theyre intentions were great, society thought nothing of it because they had broken so many laws in general. The Suffragettes were hated by most of society including women. They werent just political activists, they were criminals.
World War I impacted the lives of women pretty heavily. The ways that the war impacted them is because the women started feeling like there were to replace the man. To do his job and theirs, to do the cleaning and the hard working jobs. Mainly however women were used in the medical field. Such as nursing the injured men and healing their wounds, the cuts, and ect. Women also helped with the food supplies. Whenever there was a shortage they were there to fill it in and make it better. Women saw the need that they were to take command and fufill the mans job. All the things that the women did in this war made society look at them with more importance, with more honor. They were respected.
2 student responces:
I do agree with Tachel because men did under estimated a woman. They did believe that "their brains were too small." However mainly these women proved this thoery to be wrong. Also that yes, finally woman were begining to be equal to a man.
I also agree with alicia becuase the role of a woman during world war I was very important. They are the ones that kept this war in safty. More like they were the ones that made sure everything runned smoothly. The result of their generous help, women were employed greatly in industries.
Although men still played a dominant role during WWI, women did succeed in increasing their importance in society. Since men were generally preoccupied with the warfare going on in WWI. Thus, with absence of men, women had to step up and contribute more than they did in earlier years. They started taking the roles of the male figures in the household while the men where at war. And also they contributed more to industrialization of war materials. Such as bombs. Women did not have all of the rights that men obtained, but they did receive a liberal amount after WWI went into play. Women were becoming stronger, and not as overlooked than before.
I agree with caracara14 when she states that WWI will spark the development of women's rights. The war was only the beginning for them. Not until after the war will people start to recognize the importance of women's roles in daily society.
I disagree with Rachel when she notes that they were being compared equal to men. I wouldn't necessarily say that women were seen as men where but they definitely were seen as having the potential to obtain more rights and freedoms that men already had.
During the first world war women began to play a big role in society even if it was just for the little things. Whether it was at home or on jobs women began to participate. At first women were looked at as not bieng verry intellectual they were seen as someone men could just used. It was believed that women will stop doin their roles in households or stop giving birth etc.. if they began to be involved in politics. However when men started to leave for the war no one was left to take the jobs but the women. They began to make the weapons for the men to fight with. They also began to work in factories as men and were beggining to be seen as equal to the men.The way people started to look at the women have changed from only bieng needed for birth and men to bieng needed in socitey.
I disagree with cindy how she said people believed women were setting back on domestic duties and it set back most of the progress. I disagree becuse this just came to show how powerful women were becoming. And by making weapons for their husbands and men i think that shows they arent cutting bck on domestic duties because they are still supporting the men. This shows they could do both. If anything it should have given them more respect.
Women made a great impact into the WW1. I beleive women took an important role in the WW1 with the economy. They participated in jobs that were mostly tooken my men. Also many women worked in factories. These actions grew the reputaion of women to be equal as men in a positive conotation. This shifted the social classes between men and women to equality.
2 responses
i partly disgagree with caracara14 and RachelFaria. Because i dont beleive women not voting during WW1 was a complete negative affect of the war. But i do agree the fact that women started to get a positive reputation.
I think I am gonna cry..Students blogging, oh so beautiful..I have a feeling though that I am missing a few though. All you had to do was post your response to the prompt. Not to others yet but great job for those who did. Now you don't have to worry about it anymore. Wow, one less thing to think about.
Before WWI women had the typical female domestic role, care taking, attending their husbands and maintaining the house at tip top shape. When men went into warfare affairs, it brought out the best that women had to offer which were the real jobs. Since the men were at they fulfilled the production occupations. Another way that women were affected by WWI was, nursing became extremely necessary which they easily took advantage of doing to heal those who were injured from war. The result of this was they were beginning to be treated somewhat equally as men for pertaining to their left duties in the production industry.
I agree with LeahPeah when its mentioned that womens capabilities
are recognized more. As in more than just the domestic chores at home and with the children, but capable of doing more, the males role of factory work. This caused a more positive bview on women.
I agree with caracara 14, with the fact that a result of WWI developed womens social stand and rights.As well as the increase of female property owners since businesses and agriculture needed help, and the women were the ones left with the responsibility of taking care of it.
My turn to join the party (:
WWI did not have many females attending the war during its time. The women were left to tend the children, house, food etc back at the homeland. After the war, the women were still generally looked down upon. Especially in the political field, the men believed that a female's brain is much more smaller than a male's brain. They believed that the because of this reason, females should not be able to participate in politics. This perception of women was very rude, and caused many women to get angry.
Women wanted their rights. They began to revolt and the police put them in jail. However the mindset was that they did not care. They are fighting for what they believed in and that we are the political prisoners. We demand special treatment. They believed that this isn't anything new or radical, it should already be established.
Women that worked during the war felt proud. They felt excited on how their husband and son are fighting for their country and they feel they should assist them in any way possible.
During World War1, women replaced mens jobs while they were fighting. Women were preferred over men because it was cheaper to employ them. Women had to do more masculine jobs when they replaced mens job in working position and in factories. They were also more important at this time because they did a better job than men. When the war was over, the men returned and they expacted the women to go back to their jobs where they had to clean, cook, and care.
Since World War I contained many men to leave their work at home, women became a huge factor to society. They contributed by taking over the men's job. Women were fully employed and their status became higher. Many women replaced men's jobs by working in the fields and working in factories. Women were essential to economy due to the fact that men were at war. Women had tot ake care of household work and had to financially support themselves since men could not do it for them. Demands of women's voting rights were high, due to the war, so it was granted mostly throughout Europe. The women's suffrage took part in the war by becoming strong patriots and organizers of women.
i agree with genesis15 that women were looked down upon in society before World Ward I. Most men believed they were not intellectual enough to be included in political affairs and the government. They played a small role in society which was to support the family by cooking and doing chores inside the house. All they were capable of doing was to support their husband and be like the "backbone" for them. But during WOrld War I, women were in demand of jobs, so they rank in society was enhanced.
I agree with d duarte that women were significant in world war I because they used their nursing techniques to help the injured ones that were fighting in the war. Organizations such as the Red Cross contributed to helping out in warfare. The organization usually employed women to aid and work in the hospitals. They rolled bandages, knitted socks, and worked in military hospitals. Women were of essential use during the war.
Part I: Analyze the impact of World War I on women in the Western world. How did it affect their self-perception? How did it affect societies' perceptions of women?
In the First World War , it helped bring the emancipation of women. Considering the war, Great Britain had seen an expanding female suffrage movement.The women's social and political union aka Suffragettes disturbed the political meetings. they had also destroyed stained-glass windows in historical churches, and had set fires to draw the attention to their causes. when the war had begun, the suffragettes had supported the war effort and had encouraged women to do their share for the nation. and as the end of the war had finally came, more than five million British women had been employed though they were in many dangerous jobs like those that are in factories.they had replaced the males in the factory jobs that were then fighting in war. Though, at the end, the British women had been given the reward the right to vote in 1918. and at the same time, also in germany, the weimar republic had granted the absolute female suffrage also.
World War I had both positive and negative impacts on women in the Western World. As the result of World War I, women began to take jobs that men usually dominated, which is the positive impact WWI had. They began to work in dangerous factories because most of the men were fighting in the war. Thus, the number of women working outside their home increased and they were perceived to be as equal as men. On the negative side, women were not allowed to vote. It was believed that a woman's brain was rather smaller than a man's brain, therefore a woman could not make a reasonable political decision. This idea perceived women to be a lot more mentally incapable than men. Another strange idea people believed was that if women became involved in politics, they would stop getting married and having children also known as the Race Suicide Argument.
During World War I, women in the Western world were put down to an even lower rank. Like stated by Diane Atkinson, a historian, many believe women should not have any say in the government. Women shall not vote or have a voice in political calls. One of few ridiculous reasons was "woman's brain was smaller than a man's brain, therefore she couldn't possibly make this political choice." Also many feared that if a woman was given the ability to control governmental aspect, she would stop marrying men and do feminine duties at home.
I disagree with Angel that women gained more respect during the WWI. Many still believed a woman's life still circulated in the home. Men took care of the outside world consisting the government. The war made women "feel" important because they thought they could help. However in reality, only the men ideas and opinions were put into actions.
The perception of women was highly altered during the time of WWI. The lack of men due to war efforts caused women to step into men's positions, taking on serious masculine duties. Their jobs consisted of working in the harsh conditions of factories, serving as nurses in the war, and any other jobs that consisted working out of the home. This caused women to receive more credit than they had received in the past. Women were now seen not of less importance to men, but of equal or even more importance.
On the negative side women were not yet allowed to vote. They wouldn’t see this change until after WWI. The revival of feminist thought throughout Europe grew rapidly in the twentieth century. Many women organizations strived to achieve the goal to ensure women the right to vote. Sexual morality also came into play during this time. More women were becoming independent and trying to find ways to support themselves due to the lack of a male role model in the home. Prostitution became a major aspect in the lives of women. In turn to prostitutes the Contagious Disease Acts were passed. These laws entitled police in certain cities with naval or military bases could require any woman identified as, or suspected of being a prostitute, to undergo immediate internal examination for any sexually transmitted diseases. Women were angered by these laws being issued; they blamed harsh working conditions and poverty to the working class as the cause of prostitution. By 1869, a middle class organization that advocated the opposition to the Contagious Disease Acts had arisen. Led by the woman Josephine Butler, she actively achieved the suspension of the acts in 1883 and the repeal of the acts by 1886.
Virtually, all feminists eventually advocated the or in some way supported wider sexual freedoms for women. To justify their beliefs, women said that it would benefit society as well better women’s lives. Women established an impacting foundation that certainly altered the ways and views of women to the fullest extent.
-Alyssa Rico
(that was a fun one:)!!)
Analyze the impact of World War I on women in the Western world. How did it affect their self-perception? How did it affect societies' perceptions of women?
World War I influenced and impacted women very much, and through all the years of women being not recognized as a figure, World War I altered that state of being. Women started being more powerful in the family, even though they could not compare to men yet, they were being much more noticed, and when men were sent out to war, women we were left at home, and the factories and textiles were much more empty, so women were allowed to be able to work. Education became a must factor, women were allowed to be taught, and took more action and responsibilities. Even though women were not pre-dominant during the World War I, but it women did generally increase there status, and society.
I agree with caracara14 when she talked a lot about how women were stepping up there game, and actually did the job better or even as equal as men did.
I also agree with d_duarte when she mentions about how all the things women did, and put up with led them to an increase in society, and helped society in a big way.
With the lack of men home during WWI, women's roles were changed socially. WWI demanded more from civillian populations and since men were fighting in the war, women took on these roles. With the shortages of men, women were brought out from their usual traditional roles at home. The new roles included work in factories, serving as nurses in the war, and other war-related work.
This was a positive thing because since they took these roles outside of the home, they were percieved as equal as men were.
A negative aspect of the war was that women were not allowed to vote. Society felt that a woman's brain was way smaller than a man's brain, thus making it hard to make a reasonable political decision. Women began to rebel against such an idea and were even thrown in jail for their protests. The Race Suicide Agreement was also passed, stating that if women got involved in politics, theyy would stop getting married and have children.
I agree with Alicia Mendoza when she says about the increased number of women in certain industires. This is true because many women had to take on work outside of the home because of the shortages of men.
I also agree with lulu1193 when she says women began to serve as nurses in the war. This is true because women had to help heal soldiers wounded in battle.
World War I left a huge impact on women. Since many women were left home without a male figure, due to men needed to fight in the war, women assumed the role of doing everything that the men did as well as their normal duties. As a positive affect on the perception of women, women began to be seen as an equal to men. Their masculinity from doing male jobs such as building planes, working in offices, employment in government offices, engineering, etc., brought people to think of them as an equal counterpart to men. They proved themselves that they could do much more than the typical sterotype: household work. With this hard work of working as the males did, they were rewarded. One of the rewards that they achieved was extended women suffrage in many European countries. They also achieved a self reward: a strong reputation. Women proved the stereotype wrong, and stood their ground as to what they wanted from the society. Although everything seemed to be going good with women during WWI, one bump in the road was when society thought to percieve that women would start getting TOO involved in politics, and stop getting married/having children. This, however, was a bersek idea coming from society, known commonly as the Race Suicide arguement. Other than that struggle, overall, women had finally earned respect.
I agree with caracara14. She stated that, "Women were constantly being compared to, and often found equal to men, if not better", which i completely agree with. Women WERE pretty much the men during the WWI time period.
I also agree with Richard. I agree with the fact that women were fighting for what the believed in. They didn't care that they were being put it jail for revolting, it was their mindset that mattered, and they wanted to show that to society. It was one of the ways that women made their way up the ladder of equality with men.
World War 1 demanded more form the civilan populations than any pervious wars. This led to the changes in womens roles in socity. Due to the sortage of men, because they were all fighting, women had to step up. World War 1 brought many women out of their traditional roles at home and into factories and other war-related work. Because women were doing men's work, they were seen as starting to become equall to men. This led the women of this time period to fell good about themselves and other women alike. Even thought they really did not understand what this war was about, it made them fell good to help it along.
I agree with LeahPeah when she said that women doing the work that men did lead people to think that women are just as intelligent as men. If a woman can do the same thing as a man can offeusly, they are equall to one another. As they continue to do a men's jobs people be gain to see how men and women were equall in intelligence.
I agree with Cindy about how the roles of women changed. Before the war, women were just there to take care of the home life. However during and after World War 1, women begain the step out side of their traditional roles and work as the men did. This allowed women to be seen as equals.
Previously to World War I people believed that a women's place belonged in the home. But during World War I the absence of the men in the household and other occupations let women to have to take over working in harsh conditions like the factory and even being nurses in the war. In the west in places like Russia they began to issue a number amount of reforms that affected the women. Although some women did get the right to vote and had higher positions in the Communist Party in Russia, they still had little to even no impact on the government.
Even in Britain the Representation of the People's Act gave women over 21 the right to vote.
In Italy also after the war, they tried to encourage the women to stay home and raise their children because it was the husband's duty to go out and support the family, but even then the women still made up twenty-five percent of the Italian work force although the government tried to suppress this from happening.
I agree with nartanna that women did not gain that much more respect. Although many of the women did have the right to vote and were able to work in places like factories, people still believed women belonged in the home and tried to keep it that way.
I also disagree with joannaisOG that women gained a strong reputation. The women were looked upon a bit better than they had been before the war, but not too the extent that it was a strong reputation they had gained.
The role of women changed dramatically during the first world war .Prior to the war respect for women was very little or none at all.Women were expected to tend to domestic responsibilites only. During the war no longer were they expected to just attend to the home and their families, but were now being called to support their men and country. Women were asked to work in the factories, take over the farms ,and add support services wherever it was needed.Women who couldnt take full time jobs got involved in women aid movements and organized many commodities that needed to be sent to the troops overseas. rallying to the patriotic call of their governments did more for female political independence than the militant suffragette movements at the time, and with it came a respect and recognition of female independence that was supported by their men in all different countries.
2 responses
I feel that men came up with any excuse just so women wouldn't have thye oppurtunity to vote and gain independence.the belief that women had a smaller brain than men so they were incapable to vote was an obsurd accusation.Also the fact that women were so called more "emotional"than men because of the changes that their body went through is also very hard to believe .The women back than were just as smart as the women today and I wished that men couldv'e respected that more.
Women were very important to the war.They made many sacrifices and went through harsh conditions to provide for the war.Women risked many things like explosions that came from their dangerous materials.Women also got very sick or died from TNT poisoning.This poisoning caused their skin turn yellow and their hair to turn orange.Without women the war probaly wouldnt have been as sucessful as it was.
Yes, men did still played a more important role during WWI, but women did succeed in ways that helped increase their importance in society. Men’s mindset was focused on WWI. With that, woomen had to answer the call, and contribute more. During WWI, women played the masculine role of men. Gail Braybon stated that it was extremely important for women to get involved in the war efforts. With that, women also they got involved in industrialization of war products. Women did not have all of the rights that men obtained, and the efforts for female suffrage or the right to vote, was at a standstill. This was due to a belief Atkinson stated, if women got hugely involved in politics the human race would eventually die out since all women were to Europe at the time was a mother. Suffragettes, were more radical and extreme in their efforts for female suffrage, and rights. Even though their goals were in the right place, they were disliked by a lot. Overall, women did play a vital role in the catastrophe known as WWI.
As World War I came around, society perspective on women changed intensely in society. Pre-WWI the judgment for women were as domestic women to bare children and be settled at home. They were considers to be not capable to vote and make correct political decisions. After the war broke many nations realized women had to take jobs of masculine structure. Many women in the 19th century began working at industrialized factories and building machinery for soldiers. Women were also involved in war, practicing medicine to help wounded soldiers in battle. Women became inferior in many ways and men feared their capacity in society and politics. Women seemed to gain a new confidence, trying to achieve the right to vote but they didn't accomplish for late years.
2 responses:
1. I agree with nartanna that historian Atkinson that men believed women brains were small and couldn't expand to greater political ideals. They feared women strong ideas in government. For pass centuries women weren't consider capable to have a say in government but WWI proved women are capable of a lot of things. They were slowly gaining the ability to contribute to society other than domestic issues.
2. I agree with juliafranco, although women were seen to take in a lot of masculine roles they didn't obtain voting rights. Women weren't truly consider equal to man because the manly rule has over ruled women since past centuries. Women barely were obtaining consideration in society as future input in politics.
Before World War I, women stuck to their traditional lifestyles. But when World War I struck, there was a shortage of male workers. Women then began occupying more masculine jobs such as factory jobs and building weapons. When the men came back, they took their usual place in society. But the women already had the taste of what they could spend their time doing instead of being in the house and caring for the children. World War I influenced the women to want more in life and the rise of feminist groups.
I agree with juliafranco. Women were gaining more attention because of the work they did during the war. Men feared the woman's capabilities and that they actually have more to offer.
I also agree with sharonnxx. She says that women are essential to the economy and it was true. Women occupied many more jobs than ever before and they were the basis of the economy since there was no men.
During the time of World War I women were strongly impacted. Women took over jobs that were previously meant for men due to the fact that most men were fighting in the war. They worked in dangerous factories and other positions which showed that women could take on many other jobs besides taking care of the families and homes. The perception of women began to alter because society changed their outlook of what women were capable of doing and their place in the workforce. Women were still paid less than men, but their status in society and equality to men was starting to arise. Women began to feel more important because they were less dependent on men and were able to do jobs that were intended for men, however, they were still looked down upon when it came to politics. Women were not allowed to vote. Many believed that women should have no say in politics and a “woman's brain was smaller than a man's brain, therefore she couldn't possibly make this political choice.” This ridiculous reason angered women for they were perceived as incapable of making good decision.
I agree with mariallamas that “Women were also involved in war, practicing medicine to help wounded soldiers in battle.” during WWI many women were able to break into a male dominated workforce and began to work as doctors and nurses. They helped aid wounded soldiers as well as volunteering in hospitals.
I also agree with adesuyo that people believed that if women became involved in politics, they would stop getting married and having children also known as the race suicide agrument. Many intelligent people believed this idea and were worried that the human race would die out.
With the rise and calamity of WWI, the live's of women were drastically altered. First off, women were given the opportunity to take up "male" jobs because so many men were off at war. This not only gave them a sense of independeence but also self stabilty. Women had the mindset theat they didn't need their man to fufill them financially. This state of mind would eventually be similar in WWII. The amount of reign that women obtained put the conservative parties on edge. Keep in mind that during this time women were also testing the waters, if you will. Their independent mind was in some cases not used for good, such as a major rise in prostitution. Existing boundaries against women forced them to turn to alternative means in order to be financially sufficent. With thousands of foreign men trafficng through countries women earned quick money by selling sex. Morally correct or not, women pushed boundaries. Perhaps these pushes are just the thing that people judged women by; saying that they are not good enough. All in all, dynamic was different and far more risque.
RESPONSES:
I agree 100% with Sophie. I think in most cases women were seen as masculine during this era, in part of their jobs. And, I agree with her in saying that women were compaired to men. Ironic how when a women did a job better than a man it was brushed aside, but when a woman turned to prostitution to provide for her family, she was a disgrace to womanhood. Too much irony?
I somewhat disagree with Rachel. Yes indeed women felt inportant working a man's job just as well as he, however society did not have that same positive perception as the working women did of themselves. I think society frowned upon the idea, especially consercatives and the government, although the economy would not not let women work; it would have crumbled in a day.
Throughout the years, women weren't really acknowledge for what the could do. They were often seen weaker as opposed to men who stronger. During WWI, women's roles finally began to take off. They began recieving the respect and jobs they deserved. Throughout WWI it was common to see many women working in factories or seen working a "man's" job. Men's roles started to die down as many saw what women were capable of. Women were given more rights, and those denied rights would fight back. Therefore I believe most women were impacted by WWI.
I agree with Cindy. Women were always looked upon as the weaker ones. They were looked upon as weak until they proved many wrong and began working different work positions.
I agree with caracara14. It was common for women to have household duties other than actual jobs. During WWI all that had changed once women were given more rights and they weren't seen weaker anymore as they worked vairous heavy duty jobs.
During World War I, I believe was impact of women's society was changed dramatically. The number of women working increased and that shows that the role of women was increasing and the war helped it. They started working in textile industries and their responsibility was bigger than ever. When men were away, the women took the roles of the men and started to do their jobs.
Many women believed that it changed there lives for the better it also says that their wages where higher and their conditions improved and there independence was enhanced. WWI had an impact on women's rights also. Women soon realized that they could be just as involved as men. They tried to focus on the right to vote. Right after the war men tried to go back to the way it was, but the women couldn't be pushed aside as easily because they knew they could do it. Men thought they did not have the intelligence though for the political world. World War I was a big push towards the feminist movement and there were constraints of the roles of women.
2 Responses:
I agree with caracara14 when she states that there was a doubling in the number of females in the working class. With all the men that had to leave to serve their country, women had to step up and take the roles. This made increase of females during this time.
I also agree with LeahPeah and when she states about how women felt that they deserved the right to vote. I do understand how the men thought it would take their jobs away from their marriage and raising children. Men thought they were better for duties with the family instead of being in the political world like men.
I agree with caracara14 that since men were out in the war, women had do the men's job back at home. Women were working and managing more at businesses. Even though they had a larger grip to handle, they were still not recognized. They were always put below men and never equal. After WWI, women do gain my rights but it also backfired them. Like the ability to divorce easier. This is a negative and positive deal. Women could escape from domestic abuse or lose a husband and have to work on their own.
During World War I, the social status of women rose because men were not present to work. While men were fighting the war, women were taking over jobs that would usually only be given to men. Women began to build weapons for war, and they took over more 'masculine' jobs. This affected women's self-perception because it gave them a sense of strong-being and hope that they could make a place for themselves among society. This also affected society's perceptions of women because men started to 'fear' women a bit more, seeing as they were capable of doing things fit for men.
I agree with caracara14 because women became equal to men due to their new jobs acquired during World War I. I also agree with her when she states that this caused fear to spread among society for the jobs women were fulfilling.
I agree with juliafranco, because she said that although women started to become more equal to men, they didn't gain the right to vote. Women did not become equal to man because all in all, men still had more rights than women at the time. This was just a turning point in history, but it didn't give women all the rights they fully deserved.
myyy 2 responses -_- :
1)i agree with this chic caracara14 on how women had to work in the factories for weapons so that the men could use to kill their enemies. Women were often more sent to work in these types of jobs and had to suffer whether they liked it or not.
2)i also agree with juliafranco on how women had to step up and contribute more than the earlier years. i totally agree with this statement because even though women did not have as many rights as for men, they did fight for what they wanted and eventually earned their rights that corresponded to them.
The First World War had a major impact on the lives of women in Europe.While the men were away at war the women had to take charge of the household as well as working to support the family. These jobs had been previously viewed as too masculine for women and by them succeeding in these positions they were able to demonstrate the equality between men and women. Women began to view themselves as equal to men and that they were just as important to society. They helped with the war effort and supported their respected governments. Women helped nurse the wounded, provide food and other supplies to the military, serve as telephone operators, entertain troops, and work as journalists. As a new wave of feminism swept through Europe many of these feminists hoped that patriotic support of the war would enhance the prospects for women’s suffrage after the war.
Responses:
I agree with State of the Union when they said “With the lack of domestic man power women were the only alternative.” While the men were busy fighting someone had to take their place at home. They provided support for the war and kept up the home front. By doing so they were able to improve peoples view on women. They not only proved to others that they were equivalent, but they proved it to themselves once and for all.
I also agree with Rachel Faria. She pointed out the fact that women still couldn't vote. Many people felt venerable and were scared of women being able to vote. Some people, even some of the brightest intellectuals thought the human race would die out (Race suicide argument) because women would stop getting married and having children. Some even believed that their brains were smaller them men’s and so they weren’t capable of making the right political choice.
Women during WWI were taking two roles at home the cleaning and makeing the money since the men were at war fighting. In which by doing all of this many of the women were being judged according to their roles as men more than women. Womens jobs during WWI were in factories or creating materials for the war like gear required for men to have in war like utensils, weapons, tents and much more. In so by all of the comparisons of women to men caused people to question or so fear the coming of womens getting power and being considered equal to as of the men.
I agree with caracara14 for she believes the same as i that the women were being compared to men as having the same equal rights. Also to the fact that caracara14 states that people were becoming fearful of the fact that women might become in control. Even have great amounts of power since they are doing all of the mens jobs and will get this in their brains that they should be treated equally.
I also agree with RachelFaria for she believes that the women had little brains and would note be able to vote. But i disagree that women did have little brains for they were smart enough to work for a living and preform duties in the fact of supporting their families.
During WWI and shortly after, that status of women changed as a result of the positions and role they took for their countries. Women before the war were generalized by mainstream society in many European countries to be the weaker sex. They were thought to not have the physical capacities of men let along mental capacity. This ideology held women from achieving basic privileges given to men like suffrage and favor for divorce. Women also could not climb the social ladder as they were subject to minimal jobs of lesser pay. This was to encourage marriage and obedience. With the occurrence of WWI many soldiers were needed to fight the trenches and women, as a result, sustained industrial jobs with high positions to ensure productivity. Women also used this time to take commanding positions though politics and the sciences remained male dominated. The results of the war increased nationalism within several countries and, as a result, several countries increased the status of their women. Countries like Britain and France gave suffrage to women and child rights that favored the mothers care. With these new rights male society felt as if women were useful and had proved so during their war efforts, some of which were deadly and life altering. Because this blog is focusing on western Europe, it is safe to generalize the women’s status increased as a result of WWI.
I disagree with Caracara 14 in that women were seen equal to men. I do not believe this because the only substantial right given to women was suffrage. Even after suffrage, many acts such as the sanitations acts were implemented to suppress female sexuality. Women were only heightened in the eyes of men because, at that time, countries were nationalistic. Only a few countries, in the course of history, whom were nationalistic, have ever granted full rights to women like communist Russia. I agree with everything else however.
I disagree with Genesis15 when she disagrees with Cindy. You stated as if Cindy believed that women set back on domestic jobs when she stated that People believed that the women could not handle both during the war. This was believed for the rising governess and nanny jobs in the late 1800’s of the middle class. With more leisure time, parents often left their children to care and this is why the idea of leaving the home was still prominent. You state that women were being seen equal to men. This doesn’t occur yet and suffrage was only granted out of nationality after the war. Women still had to fight for privileges and were not seen as equal to men especially in industries, politics, and science.
Post a Comment