More Facts on Women and War

Women and the First World War

1. The First World War had a major effect on women’s lives as many men were called up to fight as soldiers.
2. Women were needed to work in industry and the emergency services. They proved they were capable of taking over men’s jobs and producing supplies for the military - challenging the belief that a women’s place was in the home.
3. Women took over as head of the household and enjoyed greater freedom and independence. They also had more social contact through work - in the canteen and at dances.
4. In 1918 after the First World War had finished, women were given the right to vote in elections. The suffragettes had campaigned for many years for this and the eventual success was seen as recognition of women’s contribution to the war.

Women and the Second World War

1. The Second World War had the greatest effect of any war this century on ordinary people – men and women. It is sometimes known as ‘the people’s war’ or a ‘total war’ because it had such an impact on everyday life.
2. The war resulted in disruption to daily routines with rationing of food and clothes, long ques in shops, food shortages and air raids. In 1939 1.5 million children were evacuated from towns to the countryside separating many families.
3. Women were a vital part of the war effort. In March 1941 employment exchanges registered all women aged 19 – 40 (excluding mothers with children under 14) for work. In December 1941 all women between 20 and 24 were ‘called up’ and could choose between the women’s services, civil defence or the munitions industry.
4. By 1945 half a million women had joined the Women’s Armed Services. However the war was also fought on the ‘Kitchen Front’ – women’s were often exhausted by work, looking after children, assuming responsibility as the head of the household and broken nights from air raids.

Women and Pacifism

1. Women have been actively involved in the peace movement for many years. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament is the most prominent peace group in Britain and has always had an active Women’s Group. In the early 1980’s the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp took direct action against the stationing of cruise missiles in Britain.
2. The issue of war split the suffragette moment into two – Emaline Pankhurst believed it was a women’s duty to support her country and the men who were fighting and others who believed war was caused by men and that women should promote peace.
3. Catherine Thackery a magistrate from Huddersfield and leading member of CND was arrested in 1984 at the US Air Force base in Berkshire after taking part in an anti – cruise missile demonstration. She was removed from the bench by the Lord Chancellor.
4. Alice Mahon – the MP for Halifax is a leading anti – war campaigner. She was part of the backbench rebellion against the war on Iraq and spoke out in the House of Commons urging the government to listen to public opinion as expressed in anti war demonstrations.