Tried, Tested, and Transformed
How the war changed the lives of many Canadian workers
TRIED (1914-1918)
During the first world war, Canada experienced a lot of change. One of the changes included women's rights. While most of the men who went abroad headed to war, and some of them died, the majority of women had to take on jobs that they normally aren't allowed to do (male-only). These women did jobs such as joining the Royal Air Force, went overseas, but a majority of women were employed in factories.
Women in Factories
A photo of women creating ammunition in factories to aid the war.
Women Right's Poster
A poster made in World War 1 to help empower women.
Women Voting
On Sept. 20, 1917 women were given a limited chance to vote.
During this period of time, a lot of change happened. Women were starting to be seen doing important jobs. Wages for women rose during this period, and this created some financial independence for women. Women's fashion changes. Shorter and higher skirts that could show the ankles were available. Women went outside by themselves more. Women started smoking. A lot of change happened to women rights during this period
Women before the war
Women during the war
Women after the war
During this period of time, most Canadian women lived at homes and worked. When the war broke out, the neccesary jobs became available to women and they chose to do so. A majority of women went to work in factories. They created many different items such as ammunition, weapons, or other items useful in the war. Additionally, they were able to wear pants to work and they got paid a decent fare.
TESTED (1919-1924)
At the end of the war, the men returning to Canada received a shocking change. Most of the women were doing jobs that mainly men did. Women were expected to give the jobs back to the men and go back to their old work. The past started coming back and women started working at their homes. There was a worry that the employers would continue to give jobs to women instead of men due to the fact that they would have been paid less, but this did not happen.
Home Front 3 the changing role of women
At the end of the war, the women who still worked at the factories were mostly laid off from work. The jobs were given back to the men returning from the war, and most of the women went back to working at the house. Although most of the present went back to the past, there were some major features that helped start the women's rights campaign and give women empowerment and rights.
TRANSFORMED (1925-1929)
A while after World War 1 ended, some things changed while some things stayed the same for women. While most women lost their jobs and the men took it back, they soon realized that they should be treated equal and that started a women's rights campaign. Most women ended up returning to become a housewife, while many fought to be able to have jobs, and have some independence.
WOMEN'S RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
Reflection
After the war was finished, a lot has changed and a lot has stayed the same for Canada.
Women were given more rights and freedom. They were able to do things that they could never have imagined before the war. Economically, Canada needed help, but women proved that they could do the jobs of men. Socially, women began having more freedom and being able to do things such has wearing higher skirts that don't cover the ankle. Politically, Canada began to actually have more freedom and independance. They were able to sign the treaty, and became to seperate from Great Britian. Overall, this historic time period was very beneficial towards the future of Canada.