Women in WWI: Beyond the Trenches - A History of Untold Sacrifice and Societal Transformation

Immerse your students in the captivating story of women's contributions during World War I. This comprehensive reading comprehension worksheet delves into the dramatic shift in gender roles as women stepped outside traditional boundaries to play a crucial role in the war effort. Explore their diverse contributions in factories, agriculture, nursing, communication, and beyond, analyzing the lasting impact these efforts had on the fight for women's suffrage and the transformation of societal norms.

Content:

• From Home to Factory Floor: A Mobilized Workforce: Discover how women filled the void left by men at war, taking on industrial jobs and ensuring agricultural production continued, ultimately becoming a vital force in supporting the war effort.
• Beyond the Battlefield: Supporting the War Effort: Dive deeper into the various roles women undertook beyond factories and farms, including serving as nurses on the frontlines, operating communication networks, and even codebreaking.
• Primary Source Analysis: Gain a firsthand perspective through a diary entry written by a female factory worker, revealing their motivations and the broader societal changes taking place regarding women's roles.
• The Fight for Suffrage: A Catalyst for Change: Analyze how women's wartime service directly challenged the notion that they were unfit for public roles, providing a powerful argument for women's suffrage and paving the way for greater societal change.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the diverse roles women played during WWI, extending far beyond traditional domestic spheres.
• Analyze the societal changes triggered by women's wartime contributions and their lasting impact on gender equality.
• Evaluate how women's service during WWI contributed to the fight for women's suffrage.
• Develop critical thinking skills through analyzing primary sources and diverse question formats.

Common Core State Standards Addressed:

• RI.6.1, RI.7.1, RI.8.1, RI.9-10.1, RI.11-12.1: Close reading and analysis of informational text.
• RI.6.2, RI.7.2, RI.8.2, RI.9-10.2, RI.11-12.2: Determine central ideas and supporting details.
• RI.6.3, RI.7.3, RI.8.3, RI.9-10.3, RI.11-12.3: Analyze how and why events unfold.
• W.6.2, W.7.2, W.8.2, W.9-10.2, W.11-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts clearly and accurately.

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