Interpreting the Evidence
National League for Woman's Service Bulletin
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Document Description
This monthly bulletin of the National League for Woman's Service discusses two vital issues the league wants its members to focus on at this particular time during World War I: efficiency improvement in food production and the Third Liberty Loan drive, March 15, 1918.
Historical Context
On January 26, 1917, Grace Parker presented a plan to the Congress of Constructive Patriotism for the creation of a National League for Woman’s Service for the purpose of organizing various women’s organizations and helping with a possible war effort. The League developed programs in agriculture, home economics, nursing, social welfare, and patriotism. More significant, however, was the League’s training of woman to serve in the Motor Corps and use wireless technology.
Members of the National League for Woman’s Service who became Motor Corps drivers or wireless operators worked directly with soldiers in the U.S. army during World War I. The League needed to train women drivers to drive and repair army vehicles. The organization also had to set up their own schools to train female wireless operators since the existing schools were for men only. The League’s training and support of these women led to the first female involvement in the army outside of nursing.
In general, the League mobilized women of all backgrounds for the war effort. Women were asked to serve in any way they could to aid their country in winning the war. Many women participated in fundraising campaigns to sell liberty bonds and war saving stamps. From traditional roles of gardening and canning to more modern roles of military service, women answered the call to serve their country during World War I.
Members of the National League for Woman’s Service who became Motor Corps drivers or wireless operators worked directly with soldiers in the U.S. army during World War I. The League needed to train women drivers to drive and repair army vehicles. The organization also had to set up their own schools to train female wireless operators since the existing schools were for men only. The League’s training and support of these women led to the first female involvement in the army outside of nursing.
In general, the League mobilized women of all backgrounds for the war effort. Women were asked to serve in any way they could to aid their country in winning the war. Many women participated in fundraising campaigns to sell liberty bonds and war saving stamps. From traditional roles of gardening and canning to more modern roles of military service, women answered the call to serve their country during World War I.
Essential Question
How do civilians contribute in times of war?
Check for Understanding
Summarize the main idea of this bulletin and evaluate the role of this league in aiding the war effort.
Historical Challenges
Research a woman’s organization in another country during World War I. What functions did this organization serve for their country? Does that organization still exist? If so, what modern services does that organization perform?
Interdisciplinary Connections
English Language Arts: Write a newspaper article about the life of a Motor Corps driver or a wireless operator during World War I.
Science/Technology: Research the type of vehicles used to transport army personnel during World War I. How difficult was it to repair these vehicles? What would a Motor Corps driver have to know in order to operate and repair these vehicles?
Art: Design a poster encouraging women to become members of the National League for Woman’s Service.