The contribution of women during WW1
I can explain that women's contributions during the First World War were a crucial turning point in the campaign for women's suffrage.
The contribution of women during WW1
I can explain that women's contributions during the First World War were a crucial turning point in the campaign for women's suffrage.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- War broke out in Europe in 1914, causing the suffrage campaign to be suspended.
- Women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers during the war to replace men who had gone to fight.
- Women's contributions to the war effort strengthened the campaign for women's suffrage.
- The 1918 Representation of the People Act gave the vote to all men and married women aged over 30.
- In 1928, the Equal Franchise Act gave votes to everyone aged 21 or older, including women.
Common misconception
The belief that all women supported the war, and that women were immediately involved in war work from 1914.
Some women were pacifists and did not support the war effort. Women were only brought into the workforce from 1916 due to labour shortages.
Keywords
Suffrage - the right to vote
Unprecedented - never known or done before
Franchise - the ability to vote
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the right to vote
the ability to vote
never known or done before