suffragists and suffragettes

• When did the war break out that affected the suffragists and suffragettes?

  In 1914
• What action did the suffragists take when the war broke out?


  They worked to persuade men of Britain to join the army
• What did the suffragettes demand during the war?


  That women be allowed to work in munitions factories
• What happened to all suffragettes in early August during the war?


  They were released from prison
• What issue did British industry face early in the war?


  A desperate shortage of workers
• By 1916, how many workers was Britain short of?

  Up to 2 million workers
• What roles did women take on as men signed up to fight?


  Women replaced male office workers
• By the end of the war, how many women had replaced men in office jobs?


  Half a million women
• Why were employers reluctant to hire women for men's jobs initially?


  They thought women would not learn the necessary skills
• What was a concern regarding women's employment in relation to men's wages?


  Women being paid less would threaten men's wages
• What was the situation regarding engineering workers by 1916?


  The shortage of engineering workers was desperate
• How did the government influence the hiring of women in munitions factories?


  By employing mainly women in its own munitions factories
• How many women had taken up work in engineering industries by the end of the war?

  Almost 800,000 women
• What were the conditions like for women working in munitions?

  Munitions work was tiring and dangerous
• What happened to shifts as the war progressed?


  Shifts got longer and longer
• What were some of the health effects on women handling TNT explosives?


  Breathing difficulties, rashes, and yellowing of the skin
• What serious health issues were reported from handling TNT?

  Blood poisoning and even brain damage
• What opportunities did women gain access to during the war?


  A whole range of jobs they couldn't have done before
• What types of jobs did women take on during the war?

  Bus conductors, postal workers, farm labourers, and welders
• How many women served in the Women's Land Army?

  260,000 women
• What was founded in 1918 related to women's military service?


  The first women's army unit (WAAC)
• Where were women present during the war in relation to medical services?

  At every medical station on the front line