Women During World War 1 Essay

Women were not always equal; they proved themselves worthy of being a true citizen of the United States in World War I. After countless months of helping the country and saving lives, a new respect was found for women and their abilities. Originally, the United States was neutral during World War I, but after German U-boats attacked American ships and Germany tried to ally itself with Mexico, President Wilson and the Congress declared war on Germany. Starting in 1917, the United States was a part of World War I and women were there to help shape the outcome of the war for the United States. At home, women conserved and produced food for the family and soldiers abroad. New opportunities erupted for women in jobs that were traditionally only for men (Women During World War I). Women became masters in nursing and helping soldiers. They received new education and training to work in hospitals and the front lines. They had the ability to enlist in the U.S. Navy and Marines. The war was a very influential time for women’s rights. During World War I, women played an important and substantial role in the United States on the homefront and in the military. The war was not just fought on the front lines. Millions of women at home were just as significant as the fighting soldiers across the ocean (Women …show more content…
President Woodrow Wilson passed the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, allowing women to vote (Pratt 60). A female voice could now be heard in politics. This verified a woman’s ability and let people know women do not just belong in the house. Women’s right were now being supported. Although women advanced in politics, after the war, the opportunities ended with it. The jobs women had filled from men being drafted were given back to those men. There was no option for women to re-enlist in the United States Navy or Marines. Women were treated in both a positive and negative manner after World War