Women and the First World War

The First World War was the first modern, total war, requiring the mobilization of both civilians and combatants. It was also the first to demand the active participation of both men and women. In this introduction to the experiences and contributions of women during the war, Susan Grayzel explores women's relationship to the war in every belligerent state, and looks at the wide-ranging effects of the war on women in Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and North America as well as focusing on Europe. She also highlights the heated public debates about women's social, cultural, and political roles that the war inspired.