1. Women in the U.S. Workforce 1700 to World War II

2. 1700- Early 1800s FARM LIFE Most lived on farms—men, women, children worked on family farm. Each person had job & success of farm depended each doing their part. Women focused on household work, but also worked in fields. Typical Responsibilities:

3. 1700- Early 1800s Piece-work Many women also took on piece-work (spun wool) to supplement family’s income. Piece-work Some women performed jobs vital to family business. Ex: Drive milk delivery truck for husband’s farm.

4. The Industrial Revolution The Industrial Revolution Brought Changes In 1800s, U.S. moved from rural society to urban one. Family farms were replaced by manufacturing systems that depended on labor. Also, young women no longer needed to work on family farms (b/c farms were bought by large companies). Young unmarried & widowed women were tempted by... They could learn a skill & make sufficient income to support themselves. Many women work in crowded factories, such as this lock and drill department in Ohio in 1902.

5. The Industrial Revolution By 1840-1850: Due to competition, mill workers cut wages & increase work intensity. Young, single women w/ other options leave factory work. They are replaced by immigrant & poor women. Most workers were _________________________________________ __________________________. Have few job options & little choice. Some women worked as ___________________________________- Could better than factory job– they received room & board. But, wages were as low as factory wages, they worked longer hours, & had no privacy.

6. 1890-1930: Education Improves Opportunities More women entering workforce. By 1900, ____ of women are working. Most are _________________________________________________. Improved educational opportunities/training colleges help women move into more white collar jobs. Taught ____________________________ ______________________________________ EX: Secretaries & bank tellers Other women were _________________________________________. Some even break into traditionally male careers such as science, medicine, & law.

7. World War I During _________________________________________________________________ going overseas to fight. Included jobs such as airplane & auto mechanics, truck drivers, & police officers..

8. World War I.

9. Video Notes World War I VIDEO NOTES: WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE DURING WWI 2:29 minutes Watch a video clip from World War I: American Legacy @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOLlDSbe4y8 When the US entered WWI, the country needed large numbers of women as much as it needed soldiers. Women were needed as… Supplying the army w/ uniforms called for thousands of _________________________________. Women enrolled in the ____________________________________________________________. ___________________________volunteered in the Red Cross & YMCA. ____________________ Red Cross nurses served / the army & navy Nurse Corps– half of them over seas..

10. Video Notes World War I VIDEO NOTES: WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE DURING WWI 2:29 minutes Watch a video clip from World War I: American Legacy @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOLlDSbe4y8 Female Salvation Army volunteers worked as… Ordinary girls all over America suddenly had a chance@ a different life & the chance to travel to Europe to be an important part of the war effort. Many _________________________________ __________________________volunteered-- daughters of the wealthy society class. Women from elite women’s institutions often volunteered together. They were not allowed to fight, but the war gave them a chance for a bigger life..

11. World War I WWI ended &….

12. 1920s By end of 1920s: ___________________________________________________-- high demand for clerical workers & an increase in high school graduates. Jobs in new fields--- ________________________________________ Consumerism Consumer goods become less expensive & families want new luxury items (vacuum, car, telephone). ________________________________ ________________________________________ _

13. Great Depression High unemployment– by 1932 there are 12 million people out of work. Women are discouraged from “taking jobs” from men. In fact, there is a demand for women (especially married women) to give up their jobs for men. Some states even passed laws against hiring women.