Women in World War I collection

With the recruitment and conscription of large numbers of men into the armed forces of the United States in 1917 and 1918, women were recruited to fill supporting rolls such as nursing sick and injured soldiers, providing wholesome entertainment such as musical entertainment and reading material and providing personal necessities such as clothing and toiletry needs through non-governmental organizations such as church organizations and the Red Cross and Salvation Army. Women also assisted governmental organizations with conservation and recruitment efforts and sales of war bonds to finance the war and enlisted in military service where they served as drivers and in other non-combat roles. With men away in military service women also filled factory, munitions and farm work jobs to support the war effort. In addition, women served in a variety of other, traditionally male, jobs such as policemen, firefighters, postal workers, bus and train conductors, ticket takers, etc. As a result of doing their part to support the war effort and proving to be equal to men, the women’s suffrage movement gained momentum, resulting in women winning the right to vote through the passage and ratification of the 19th amendment in 1919-1920.