The Effects of the World Wars on Women

Coming back from war, men were eager to put the gender roles back in place, more so with the First World War. However, due to the hard work that women put into the Wars, there was a fair amount of irreversible change in how women were seen in society. From the First World War, women had gained significantly more political power and work experience, so by the time the Second World War came around, women were incredibly eager to participate. The government realized that it actually needed women working, so it enlisted women into many new occupations. This contributed to women feeling that they were a necessary part of society. When men returned from the Second World War, they still considered themselves superior to women; however, women were respected considerably more for their accomplishments to the war. Seeing their own hard work, women felt empowered and realized that they didn’t need men to run their lives. These ideas greatly contributed to the feminism of the 1960’s.

The Effects of the World Wars on Women

Maggie Duncan

Grade 11

Lions Gate Christian Academy
North Vancouver, British Columbia

This topic helped me appreciate how much women in the past have worked for the benefit of future generations.

Related Essays

  • The Recognition of Canada’s Backbone

    The Recognition of Canada’s Backbone

    Jessie Rankin

    Judique, Nova Scotia

    My favourite part of Canadian History is how it is my history--how Canada's history represents me.

  • A Woman's Role in Canada

    A Woman's Role in Canada

    Anna Zhu

    Richmond, British Columbia

    I admire how history can teach us about our own lives and mistakes and can prompt us to a more balanced perspective of the world.

 
View all essays