Essential questions can convey the importance of an idea or theme in writing. They can also help you to form a particular viewpoint in a literary piece, leading to critical thinking.
Yes, about 150,000 American women eventually served in the WAAC and WAC during World War II. They were the first women other than nurses to serve with the Army.
A few synonyms of the word "belittle" are:
Undervalue, underestimate, downgrade, etc.
Hope this helps! :D