1. Women in WWI Lesson starter:
A woman’s role is that of a wife and mother. It is inappropriate that a woman would go out to work or involve herself in politics. Work and politics are men’s spheres of influence. The woman has an important role to play as a companion to her husband.
What does this source tell us about the role of women before WWI?

2. We are learning to… Describe the role played by women during WWI
I can…
Create a revision guide of women’s jobs in WWI
Answer N5 questions on the role of women

3. Background… Prior to WWI, women were seen as merely wives and mothers
With men away at war, women had to take over the work men left behind
In July 1914, before the war broke out there were 3.2 million women in employment. This had risen to 5 million by January 1918.

4. The Role of Women in WWI

5. Votes For Women
The Suffragettes and Suffragists stopped their campaigning for the vote to support the war effort
‘Shells made by a wife may save a husband’s life’

6. Munitions
Most women worked in factories making shells, weapons and ammunition
Around 700,000 women worked in this industry
Very dangerous work
TNT poisoning – ‘canaries’
Many women left with life changing illness or left infertile
Explosions were common

8. HM Munitions Factory in Gretna 9000 women worked here producing cordite ‘The Devil’s Porridge’, one of the most deadly substances of war

9. Land Army
Many women went out to work in farms
They planted crops to help keep Britain going
250,000 British women worked on farms
1917 – best harvest ever recorded

10. Transport
Many women worked as train, tram and bus conductors/ drivers
These jobs were very important to keep the country moving

11. Armed Forces
WRNS (Women’s Royal Naval Service)
WAAC (Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps)
WRAF (Women’s Air Force)
Mainly clerical work (office work)

12. Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD)
Nurses run by Red Cross
They helped injured men on the Western Front or those returning home
Mainly middle class women

13. Running businesses
Many women had to take over the family business as men were sent off to war
In many families, the woman became the head of the family for the first time

14. Positives of women’s improving role in society
Women had their own income = more independence
Women had more freedom – fewer men/ chaperones, started smoking, wearing makeup, wearing trousers
Women gained respect from men across the country and many prominent MPs
Women became more determined than ever to push for more rights in society
Women receive vote in 1918 – coincidence or reward?

15. Tasks

16. N5 Questions
Describe the work done by women during the First World War. 4 marks.

17. Evaluate the Usefulness

18. 2014 – Booklet P22

19. Source A
More Useful/ less useful & why
Who
What
When
What it tells us
What it misses out

20. HW Paper – Booklet p21

21. 2017 Paper – Booklet p12

22. Specimen Paper - Comparison

24. 5