Women and the First World War

Seminar Studies in History

by Susan R. Grayzel

The First World War was the first modern, total war, one requiring the mobilisation of both civilians and combatants. Particularly in Europe, the main theatre of the conflict, this war demanded the active participation of both men and women.

Women and the First World War provides an introduction to the experiences and contributions of women during this important turning point in history. In addition to exploring women's relationship to the war in each of the main protagonist states, the book also looks at the wide-ranging effects of the war on women in Africa Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Topical in its approach, the book highlights:

the heated public debates about women's social, cultural and political roles that the war inspired
their varied experiences of war
women's representation in propaganda
their roles in peace movements and revolutionary activity that grew out of the war
the consequences of the war for women in its immediate aftermath

Containing a document section providing a wide range of sources from first-hand accounts, a Chronology and Glossary, Women and the First World War is an ideal text for students studying the First World War or the role of women in the twentieth century.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War I, Grad School, Politics, Womens, Read For School

193 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Susan R. Grayzel is Professor of History at Utah State University.

Reviews

[Lisa Naaraat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a part of Pearson's "Seminar Studies in History" series, and thus is intended to be useful for teaching current trends in history to undergraduates. It serves as a survey-level introduction to Women's History as it relates to the First World War, and does that job admirably, although it is too brief and non-specific to be of much use to specialists or graduate students. Grayzel’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow, and it works well as a teaching tool for those new to either Women’s History or the history of WWI. Compared to other introductory texts, it covers the German side very well, along with Russia, France, and Britain, although it is a bit weaker on Austria-Hungary and barely mentions Turkey. There are about thirty pages of primary source documents that will facilitate students presenting evidence in discussions and assignments. Chapters are devoted to women’s representation in war propaganda, women doing war-work outside the home, and women’s involvement in peace movements. As an underlying question, Grayzel anticipates many students will as, “was the war good or bad for women?” Other texts have provided simple answers to this question – the war was bad because so many of their loved ones died, they had less food due to blockades, and home life was disrupted, or it was good because it provided opportunities for women to become engaged in the public sphere, work outside the home, and gain new power and independence. Grayzel avoids simple answers and tries to present a nuanced view: the war was good in some ways and for some women, bad in some ways and for some women, and an overall reading is difficult, however it contributed to change in the twentieth century that ultimately affected all women as well as men. This is not necessarily an original or ingenious insight, but it does take students into a place where they can begin to see history as a territory to work out their own inquiries, rather than a simple collection of facts and names and simplistic statements about the past.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though a lot has been written about men and war the "role" of women is often unsung. I use quotes because women are usually not considered to be an active part of war in most military histories. This book points out otherwise is the case. Many women take part in war, a few as combatants but many as nurses, administrative aids and in other non-combatant roles. However many more are victims of war: killed, ravaged, starved and abused (which is too gentle a word). Other women become widows, girls (and boys) orphans, lose their lovers, brothers, fathers.
This book does not dig too deeply into all the "roles" of women. Mention is made of their use as victims in propaganda. A portion of the book treats the issue of the women's suffrage movement and the war effort. Another part talks of the government assistance to those with love ones in the service and the treatment of their dependents. Women replacing men who left for the war and women in the war industries are also treated. The 'documents' at the end of the book are, for the most part, excerpts from books or public documents. The book is part of the Seminar Series in History and is an excellent introduction to further study and discussion.

[Matthew Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be incredibly useful for the term paper I was writing; solid information and background.

[Emma Oldroyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written amazingly, accurately portraying the conditions, input, and role of women during the first world war. It was very informative and inspiring, hearing of the great work these women did to support their countries under rough circumstances, and also shed light that the male soldiers weren't the only ones exposed to the horrors of the war.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-researched and well-documented, yet accessible, Grayzel's book is an excellent overview of Women in the First world War. her work is an excellent starting point, giving general conditions; her sources give the reader information for further reading and further areas of inquiry.

[Sareene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great overview of the many aspects of women's lives in WWI. I read this for research and it gave me a lot of new avenues to look into. It's a good jumping point, so if you're looking into a comprehensive history, this is not it.

[Nikoleta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is very well researched and written. It gives unique insight into life of women before, during and after the war, changes that took place as a result of rapidly transformed society after the WW1 took place.