Women During World War 1

During the first world war women began receiving additional rights, allowing them to have greater, more active positions in Canada’s economy. This change in women’s roles occurred during the 20th century, when fewer men were able to work as they had to fight in the war. World War I was a treacherous time of loss and sacrifice in Canadian history. However, the first world war allowed people to see women in a new light. This change in perspective gave women the opportunity to show society that they could benefit Canada and support the war in many different ways. Women played a significant role during World War I considering they contributed to the war effort at home, replaced men in the workforce and worked as nurses overseas.

Firstly, Canadian

Approximately 30 000 women began work outside of their houses during the first world war. The Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps, also known as the WAAC, showed an abundance of support for the community by working as cooks, administrators, carpenters, mechanics and truck drivers. Along with their many other jobs, women had the important role to maintain roads and provide agriculture to the community. Women spent most of their time working and as a result were able to keep they economy stable. Although women were grateful to have more prominent roles in society, disease was common in their line of work. Many women came in contact with dangerous toxins, such as lead, copper and nickel. As well, some women were called the Canary Crew after becoming exposed to TNT powder, as their skin caught a disease making them appear yellow. Even though they suffered, women still offered their help to fill job opportunities. Women also faced plenty of challenges while replacing men in the workforce. In order to save money for the war effort, women were paid very small amounts, however they were expected to work extremely long shifts. By working these long hours, women put their families aside to help the war. Considering women spent plenty of time supporting the economy, they were a very important part of World War

During World War I, plenty of women came together and organized a group called the bluebirds. Approximately 2800 women were apart of this organization and were thanked by soldiers for their constant acts bravery. The Bluebirds offered their help to injured people on boats, battlefields and in ambulances and hospitales. The first world war also gave women the opportunity to look up to inspirational females, such as Edith Cavell, a nurse who convinced multiple women to join the Royal Canadian Medical Corps. Even though Germany had invaded Brussels, Belgium, Cavell continued to help injured soldiers in that area. Cavell influenced the decisions of others to become nurses through her courageous acts, as she helped wounded soldiers from all countries. Although nurses helped a great deal of soldiers, there working conditions were extremely dangerous. Out of the 3141 nurses that enlisted in the military, more than 50 died during World War I as a result of Germans attacking the front line. Since medicine was not readily available at the nurses stations many of them also caught diseases from the unsanitary environment. Along with becoming ill, nurses also came down with infections from bugs and rodents. For their dedicated help during the first world war, the Hall of Honour in Ottawa’s Parliament Building dedicated a memorial to those nurses who did not make it through, to the end if the war.