4.1.3
Impact of WW2 on Women
Changing Impact of World War Two on Women
Changing Impact of World War Two on Women
As many men were fighting, women were required to take their place in heavy industry to maintain the war effort.
Compulsory service
Compulsory service
- From 1939, women had to do compulsory service in the RAD.
- The regime shied away from moving women into war-related or heavy industries for fear of lowering soldiers’ morale, but by 1942 labour shortages were acute.
- Heavy German losses in the USSR led to men being taken from war-related industries for the armed forces, so women made up their numbers.
- By the end of 1943, approximately 1.5 million (around 34% of) women were doing war work.
Auxiliary forces
Auxiliary forces
- Women joined auxiliary forces (e.g. Navy, Luftwaffe) and the SS-Helferinnen.
- 3,700 women served in concentration camps.
Other professions
Other professions
- Other jobs women did to help the war effort included:
- Accountants.
- Interpreters.
- Laboratory work.
- Nursing.
1Political & Governmental Change, 1918-1989
1.1Creation & Collapse of Weimar, 1918-1932
1.2Nazi Dictatorship, 1933-1945
1.3Return to Democratic Government, 1945-1989
2Opposition, Control & Consent 1918-1989
2.1Opposition to Government, 1918-1989
2.2Controlling the People, 1918-1989
3Economic Developments & Policies, 1918-1989
3.1Reacting to Economic Challenges, 1918-1932
3.2Controlling the Economy, 1933-1945
3.3Creating the Social Market Economy, 1945-1989
4Aspects of Life, 1918-1989
4.1Attitudes Towards Women, 1918-1989
4.2Education & Cultural Developments, 1918-1989
5Historical Interpretations
5.1Influence of German History
5.2Hitler & Foreign Policy
5.3Contribution of Other Nations to WW2
5.4Reasons for Invading Poland
Jump to other topics
1Political & Governmental Change, 1918-1989
1.1Creation & Collapse of Weimar, 1918-1932
1.2Nazi Dictatorship, 1933-1945
1.3Return to Democratic Government, 1945-1989
2Opposition, Control & Consent 1918-1989
2.1Opposition to Government, 1918-1989
2.2Controlling the People, 1918-1989
3Economic Developments & Policies, 1918-1989
3.1Reacting to Economic Challenges, 1918-1932
3.2Controlling the Economy, 1933-1945
3.3Creating the Social Market Economy, 1945-1989
4Aspects of Life, 1918-1989
4.1Attitudes Towards Women, 1918-1989
4.2Education & Cultural Developments, 1918-1989
5Historical Interpretations
5.1Influence of German History
5.2Hitler & Foreign Policy
5.3Contribution of Other Nations to WW2
5.4Reasons for Invading Poland
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