Previous title: Women, War, and Society: 1914-1918: The Women at Work Collection in the Imperial War Museum, London
The active role of women during the World War I forced a dramatic reappraisal of society's attitudes toward women. This collection chronicles the massive drive to involve women in the wartime effort. Diaries, correspondence reports, pamphlets, memoranda and press cuttings reveal women's considerable achievements in all sectors of employment. The collection contains documents from charitable and benevolent organizations, many of which were established by women during this critical period.
Part One offers sections on the Armenian and other relief funds; the army; Belgium; and benevolent organizations along with the role of women in military service and the development of more than 200 wartime societies and organizations.
24 reels
Part Two illustrates day-to-day life in war-time hospitals and women's activities in Canada, Australia, South Africa and other British colonies, giving many accounts of the hardship, heroism and loyalty that earned women numerous honors and decorations.
14 reels
Part Three focuses on the employment of women in industrial production during World War I and how that work was the key to granting women's suffrage in 1918.
18 reels
Part Four illustrates the crucial role played by women in the production, rationing and distribution of food in Britain during the war, through organizations such as the National Kitchen and the Women's Land Army.
15 reels
Part Five illustrates women's contribution to the manufacturing of urgently needed wartime equipment through photographs, press handouts, and reports on women's service committees and national shell factories.
20 reels