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Women before, after and during World War 1
Major roles played by women during wwi
Women role in ww2
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Recommended: Women before, after and during World War 1
Introduction World War One was the first war to impact the world as much as it did. It was called “the war to end all wars,” which it was for a while. Canada being a growing, young country, had to pay the price for this war not only with money, but also through divisions within the country and a countless number of deaths. The sheer horror and tragedy that Canada had to go through in this World War was unfathomable. Many will say Canada became a nation because of this war, but the costs that our nation paid completely outweigh the gains. Canada may have been seen an independent country, but they could have done it in a way that did not involve fighting World War One.
Concession Although World War One was a terrible couple of years, women in Canada were allowed many more rights. With the election in 1917 that Prime Minister Robert Borden ordered, he gave permission for women to vote for the first time. Even though he only allowed women who had a relative fighting in the war to vote, to fulfill his conscription goal, it was still the start to the Women’s Rights Movement. Many believed that only men were involved in World War One, but women played a huge role in this war. With women filling jobs of 2000 nurses, 1000 in the
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Nevertheless, if Canada had not gone to war, women would have still gotten these rights. They would simply echo the Americans who were going through the same revolution during this period. At this time, Canada still looked up to America even though it was an independent nation. This is further demonstrated a couple years after the war during the 1920’s. Many women during the war went through trauma as they might have lost a brother, husband or even son. Women could also come across dangerous situations working in factories that made weapons for the soldiers at the
In Canada, women make up slightly more than half of the population. However, throughout Canadian history and modern day, women are needing to stand up for themselves and other women to bring about change. Canadian women are strong and have the power to work together and bring about change. Jennie Trout stood up for Canadian women that wanted to be in the medical field, women during WWI made a difference in their lives by entering the workplace and standing for their right to work, Nellie McClung was a leader for women’s suffrage, and The Famous Five campaigned and won The “Persons” Case allowing women to be considered persons under the Canadian Constitution. These women were instigators of change. Change for women only occurs when ambitious and courageous women stand up for a difference that they deserve.
Canada also became a leader internationally as well. With such an enormous military contribution during the war, other countries began to recognize the success of Canada. People wanted to know more about Canada. Consequently, the war advanced Canada’s sense of identity.
“There was much more to women’s work during World War Two than make, do, and mend. Women built tanks, worked with rescue teams, and operated behind enemy lines” (Carol Harris). Have you ever thought that women could have such an important role during a war? In 1939 to 1945 for many women, World War II brought not only sacrifices, but also a new style of life including more jobs, opportunities and the development of new skills. They were considered as America’s “secret weapon” by the government. Women allowed getting over every challenge that was imposed by a devastating war. It is necessary to recognize that women during this period brought a legacy that produced major changes in social norms and work in America.
Canada’s contribution to the war effort, especially at Vimy Ridge earned the country international respect and emerged from the war as a country more independent from Britain, to illustrate; Canada won a separate seat at the Paris Peace Conference and signed the peace treaty as a separate nation, which marked a start in Canada’s autonomy from Britain. Borden demanded Canada have its own seat because Canada had fought longer and supplied more troops than other countries, and for the first time Canada was recognized as an independent nation. Also Canada was given representation in the new League of Nations. Furthermore, in terms of economic impacts of the Great War on Canada, for one, produced a boom in Canada’s industry: steel and munitions production and manufacturing rose dramatically. During the war almost everyone could find a job. The Canadian economy relied on industry as well as agriculture, lumbering, fishing and mining. Canada had been changed from an agricultural economy into a growing industrial
Most women in Canada before World War One (WWI) were treated poorly compared to the men. Women were dehumanized and were not looked as any worth or value. During WW1 women’s roles in Canada changes to a great extent. The war influence change in the work force and politics. Women had to take on jobs of the men who went to war to keep the established economic system running. In 1911 before the war 16.6% of the female population of 2,521,000 participated in the labour force. During the war in 1921 the participation rate increased from 418,486 female workers to 563,578. War changed their roles greatly as before women were housewives, they would raise the children and do household chores. Now during the war they were needed as men went overseas
In the early 19th century women were unable to vote. In order to ensure the votes for the forthcoming election, Robert Borden passed the Wartime Elections Act and the Military Voters Act. “Women got the federal vote in three stages: the Military Voters Act of 1917 allowed nurses and women in the armed services to vote; the Wartime Election Act extended the vote to women who had husbands, sons or fathers serving overseas; and all women over 21 were allowed to vote as of January 1, 1919.” (“Recruitment” par. 3). It was a new opportunites for women as it was the first time women across Canada were allowed voting rights and a chance to have their voices heard. In the early 19th century, women were not permitted to participate or watch the olympic events for it was unacceptable for married women to watch naked male athletes. Athletes required long hours of training and at the time women did not have the leisure times to get trained. Gradually in decades later, women had their own sporting events such as the Hera Games and finally were able to participate in Olympics. Seven Canadian women participated in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics: one swimmer as well as six sprinters who were dubbed the “The Matchless Six.” They were Bobbie Rosenfeld, Jean Thompson, Ethel Smith, Mrytle Cook, Ethel Catherwood, and Florence Bell (“Women” par.6). Throughout history men and boys were granted rights to attain an education whereas only a minor number of girls attended school while the rest were to stay at home completing household tasks. In early 1850’s, University of McGill’s principal reported his regret for not opening doors to women students but as decades progressed women started to attend school. By 1917 women outnumbered men in the Faculty of Arts of McGill University (“McGill” par. 9).These new opportunities such as access to voting, participating in the Olympics and receiving education were only few of the
Plan of Investigation This investigation will evaluate the question, to what extent did the British Women’s Auxiliary Air Force assist the Allies’ war efforts during the Second World War? This question is important because in World War 1 British women were active in the war effort but to a limited extent, acting as nurses on the battle field and working in munitions factories, but resumed their traditional roles in society after the war. In World War 2 women were more active in the military through auxiliary groups, such as Women’s Auxiliary Force (WAAF) and it is important to understand how much of an impact their work made on the Allies war effort.
World War I is remembered as a soldier's conflict for the six million men who
Women had proven their significance in Canadian history through their struggles in gaining rights that provided equality. In order to improve the rights of women, the following were established: Royal Commission on the Status of Women, Pay Equity, and Employment Equity Act. The Royal Commission on the Status of Women (RCSW) was called by Prime Minister Lester Bowles Pearson on February 3rd, 1967, to investigate and report on the condition of women which was initiated immediately after an organization, which was led by a coalition of thirty-two women, who protested for equal rights. Together, the thirty two women’s groups gathered to form an alliance against the government. They threatened to “lead a women’s march on Parliament Hill” if nothing were to be done for this matter. Therefore, Prime Minister Pearson did not have any other option except to establish the RCSW in response to this campaign. The C...
One would have to admit that World War One did give Canada a reputation and Canadians pride. Canada’s accomplishments in the war, notably the victory at Vimy Ridge and Canadian troops holding against the German attack in the Second Battle of the Ypres, not only gave Canadians a reason to be proud of their country, but also let other countries to see that Canada was a very helpful and useful. Also, Canada representing itself in signing the Treaty of Versailles increased Canadian pride and further showed Canada’s contribution to the war. However, this increased Canadian pride and reputation came at a heavy price. As
The events of July and early August 1914 are known as the sparks that lit the explosion of World War I. Uneasy tensions that had been boiling beneath the surface of Europe for many years soon erupted and with that several alliances that were formed over the past decades were invoked, so within weeks the major powers were at war; via their colonies, the conflict advanced rapidly. When war officially broke out in 1914, Britain joined in the defense of Belgium and in reaction to Germany's violation of the treaty in which the countries neutrality was to be respected by all other nations. Upon this Britain requested that all dominions of the British Empire, including Canada were to fight on its behalf. Canada’s involvement in the War changed history, deepening our independence, strengthening our right the self govern and opening a gap between the French and English-speaking populations. Canadian's were a great asset in WW1, and it marked the beginning of independent Canadian forces fighting under a Canadian-born commander. On August 5, 1914, the Governor General declared a war between Canada and Germany.
Canada's sacrifices and contributions to the war changed its history and enabled them to become more independent and they friendship with Britain grew stronger and stronger. Canada was first inducted into the World War 1 when Britain declared war on Germany, August 4, 1914. Canada being allies with Britain had to support those in the war even know they weren’t in there and fighting all on the front they were backup just in case the German soldiers broke through the trenches and head towards France. Later on the Governor General also declared war on Germany but the Canadians fought under the ruling of a Britain commander. The achievements of Canadian military during the First World War came during the Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele battles and what later became known as "Canada's Hundred Days". They help fight for the freedom and peace for the small village of Passchendaele and however as it was a muddy hell, they still persevered throu...
During WWI, women were thrown into the workforce and expected to keep society together while the men were away at war. However, as soon as the war ended women were required to step away from the workforce and run the household yet again. Many women took this hard. The war was viewed as an open door for women to join the workforce. Yet, after four years, that open door was slammed right in their face. This is where there is a common misunderstanding. People often times assume that women looked to wild behavior. Such as dancing, drinking, and or becoming flappers. On the contrary, many women fought for more rights within society. Many groups gathered together and led parades and rallies to fight for equal rights. Although little change occurred in the 1920s, women experienced a major milestone on August 18th, 1920. That was the very day the 19th amendment was ratified and gave women the right to vote. The 19th amendment: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Getting the 19th amendment was not an easy task. With the help and leadership of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton this movement was made possible. This was a huge milestone for women, and despite the fact that many believe that women lived on the wild side, women did so much more during this
A century ago, Canada was under control by the British Empire. The battles we fought the treaties we signed and the disputes we solved all helped us gain independence from our mother country “Britain”. Canadians fought a long battle protecting others, and from these battles we gained our peaceful reputation and our independence from Britain. Canada became a nation on July, 1st 1867. Although we were an independent country, our affairs and treaties were all still signed by Britain.
When the war began men had to leave their families and jobs behind. World War I was a complete war because all of the world’s assets had to be used and the entire nation’s population was involved. Anyone that had the ability to work had to work. The women had to take up jobs and went through a lot changes in order to support their families during the war. World War I gave women with the chance to have a significant part in the victory of the war which had an impact them and changed the lives of all women forever.