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Period: to
Civil War
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Women Working at the United States Arsenal
This image shows women filling cartridges at the United States Arsenal in Watertown, Massachusetts. It is a wood engraving from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The photo is dated July 20, 1861, which was about three months after the Civil War started. This is one of the earliest examples of women working in factories during the war to aid in producing supplies for the soldiers. Since they couldn't actually serve in the army, this was one of the best ways for them to support the war effort. -
Women and the Civil War
This image shows the different roles that women took on during the Civil War. It's dated September 6, 1862, which was about a year into the war. The women in this photo are taking care of wounded soldiers, as well as making and washing clothes for them. This is a good visual representation of the many different roles women assumed during wartime and how they put their skills to use. This image is a wood engraving from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. -
Nursing in the Civil War
This image shows two women nursing wounded Union soldiers in the Civil War. It's dated sometime in the 1860s, likely between 1861 and 1865. This photo is powerful because it actually shows women on the battlefield assuming an active role. Up until this point, nurses primarily worked in camps and hospitals away from the physical conflict. The soldiers seem very appreciative of the women and their work, and we can see a bit of the gender dynamic of this time period. -
Red Cross Worker before WWI
This image shows a woman in her Red Cross uniform. It's dated in 1913, which is about a year before the start of World War I. This picture shows the transition of women working independently as nurses to joining organizations specifically formed to help soldiers. The woman in this photo is wearing a uniform, which was also a new concept. Before this time period, women usually provided medical care in their everyday clothes. -
Period: to
World War I
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Factory Work during WWI
This image shows women working in factories and at Mechanical Training School during World War I. It's dated between 1917 and 1919, which was towards the end of the war. The women can be seen operating heavy machinery to create products that were likely sent to soldiers on the front lines. I think this picture is interesting because the women are dressed in work clothes, which was a relatively new concept. During the Civil War, women still wore nice dresses when they worked in factories. -
Woman in Uniform During WWI
This image shows Grace Gallatin Seton-Thompson leaning against heavy artillery in her B.E.B uniform. It's dated in 1918, which was toward the end of World War I. This is a very powerful image because it shows a woman in military uniform next to military equipment. It can be implied that she is near a war zone or participating in a training exercise. This is an example of one of the most active roles a woman had taken on in leading up until this time period. -
Period: to
World War II
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Women in Barracks
This image shows women passing time in their barracks while on some sort of military assignment. It's dated in 1942, which was during the heart of World War II. These women were part of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). This organization trained women for active duty, and those involved often ended up travelling to fulfill a military assignment. The fact that these women are in a barrack shows just how far women had come in terms of wartime contributions. -
Training Exercise for Women
This image shows women participating in a training exercise for the U.S. Army. It's dated in 1943, which is a couple years before the end of World War II. There are multiple women in this photo in uniforms and helmets. This illustrates women taking on a very active role in the war by preparing for combat. The women in this photo look very enthusiastic to be training, which shows the eagerness of women at this time to contribute to the war efforts. -
WAACs on Assignment
This image shows women leaving for their overseas assignments in North Africa. It's dated in 1943, which was a couple years before the end of World War II. These women were part of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). This was an organization formed by women for women participating in military efforts. The women in this photo look very prepared for their assignments and proud to be serving their country. Being this active in the military was a huge step for women at this time.