DURING WORLD WAR I:
War tends to disrupt traditional norms surrounding gender and sexuality, and the First World War between 1914-1918 was no exception. Keep in mind, the U.S. did not become involved in the war until 1917.
During World War I, many women entered the workforce for the first time. With significant numbers of men away in Europe, women were needed in various capacities. It is believed over 20,000 women worked as nurses during the war. Others worked in clerical positions for the U.S. Government. Telephone and radio operators were also common positions for women.
On the home front, women assumed greater responsibility in public life as significant portions of the male population were 'over there' (as Europe was referred to during that time). Women too young or unable to work helped the war effort in various ways, such as planting 'victory' gardens.
