The outbreak of WWI saw a number of unexpected changes take place within the common social strata. These changes were prompted by the fact that a new wave of social-thinking was taking shape and eventually affected the manner by which the society reflected itself. While men formed political parties, engaged in planning war schemes and creating economic strategies, women also played an essential and significant role during wartime Europe. WWI women can be described to have “sustained the society through their tireless s efforts” to cut a niche in the changing social setup.
Prior to WWI, women remained subordinate to men in legal rights everywhere in Europe. According to Merriman, women were excluded from most universities, could not vote, and had limited or no control over family financial resources. Women made very little progress entering the professions previously held by men. However, the outbreak of WWI changed the face of everything. According to Perry, during WWI, women were called on, to ‘work in offices, factories, and service industry where those jobs were formerly reserved for men.’ Women’s wartime services sent a clear message that women played an essential role in the economic life of nations.
The outbreak of the war saw women pledging support to diverse regimes. This act of patriotism solidified national cohesion and bolstered peace. It is apparent that within the ensuing period of the war, women across all European states were campaigning for a cause that would give women a profound place within the society. Women stood up during the war hoping that their respective governments would perhaps enhance and promote women suffrage after the war, though