During the early years of the war, women were primarily employed in industries and jobs considered suitable for their gender, such as textile manufacturing, food processing, and clerical work. However, as the war progressed and manpower shortages became more acute, the Nazi government began to mobilize women for war-related industries and services.
The introduction of the "Women's Auxiliary Service" (Wehrmachtshelferinnen) in 1940 enabled women to serve in support roles within the military, such as nursing, communications, and administrative duties. Although they were not allowed to engage in combat, these roles provided women with opportunities to contribute to the war effort in areas previously restricted to men.
As the war intensified and the manpower crisis worsened, the Nazi government further expanded women's participation in the workforce. Women were employed in factories, engineering, and even heavy industries like armaments and munitions production. The famous propaganda poster "Women at the lathe" depicted a woman working diligently in an industrial setting, highlighting the increasing importance of women in supporting the war economy.
However, despite these expanded roles, the Nazi regime maintained a strict hierarchy that emphasized the subordination of women to men. Women's wages were typically lower than men's, and they were often subject to gender discrimination and exploitation in the workplace. Additionally, Nazi ideology still promoted the notion of women's primary responsibility as mothers and homemakers, and many women were expected to return to traditional roles once the war ended.
The end of World War 2 and the subsequent denazification process brought about significant changes in the treatment and opportunities for women in Germany. The Allied powers introduced reforms aimed at gender equality and the dismantling of discriminatory policies. However, it took time and effort to overcome the lingering effects of Nazi ideology regarding women's roles and opportunities.
In conclusion, the Nazi attitude towards women changed over the course of World War 2 due to the urgent need for manpower. Women were increasingly mobilized into the workforce and took on roles traditionally reserved for men, but they were still subject to gender-based discrimination and were expected to return to traditional roles after the war. The war ultimately led to long-term changes in the rights and opportunities for women in Germany, but the lasting impact of Nazi ideology persisted in the post-war years.