With men away at war, women filled many of the jobs traditionally held by men, such as factory work, transportation, and government jobs. This increased economic independence and autonomy for women, and helped to break down traditional gender roles.
2. Suffrage:
The war contributed to the suffragist movement's success in 1918. Women's contributions to the war effort helped to demonstrate their ability to take on responsibilities outside of the home, which strengthened the argument for their political equality.
3. Social and cultural changes:
The war led to a number of social and cultural changes that affected women. The loosening of traditional gender roles during the war led to increased opportunities for women in education, employment, and politics. Women also gained greater social freedoms, such as the ability to vote, smoke, and wear less restrictive clothing.
4. Health and well-being:
The war also had a negative impact on women's health and well-being. The war disrupted food supplies and led to widespread malnutrition, which affected women and children disproportionately. The war also led to an increase in sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
5. Women's peace activism:
The war's devastation also led to an increase in women's peace activism. Women played an important role in the peace movements that emerged after the war and in the formation of the League of Nations.