How did the First World War affect women's rights in the US?

The First World War significantly advanced women's rights in the US, particularly in terms of suffrage and employment opportunities.

The First World War, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, had a profound impact on the status of women in the United States. The war effort required a significant increase in industrial production, and with many men away fighting, women were called upon to fill these roles. This led to a dramatic increase in the number of women in the workforce, particularly in industries that had previously been male-dominated. Women proved themselves capable in these roles, challenging traditional gender norms and expectations.

The war also had a significant impact on the women's suffrage movement. Women's contributions to the war effort were used as a powerful argument for their right to vote. The National American Woman Suffrage Association, for example, argued that women, having proved their patriotism and commitment to the nation, deserved full citizenship rights, including the right to vote. This argument gained traction, and in 1920, the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote.

The war also led to changes in societal attitudes towards women. The necessity of women's contributions to the war effort challenged traditional gender roles and led to a greater acceptance of women in the public sphere. Women's increased visibility in the workforce and in public life more generally helped to shift perceptions of what women were capable of and what roles they could and should play in society.

However, it's important to note that these changes were not universal, and many women, particularly women of colour and working-class women, continued to face significant barriers and discrimination. Nevertheless, the First World War marked a significant turning point in the advancement of women's rights in the US.