Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book offers an introduction to the experiences and contributions of women during what may be accurately labelled the first modern, total war, one requiring the mobilisation of both civilians and combatants. It explores the many ways in which women experienced the war in a variety of nations and contexts, including Europe and its colonies, the United States and other participants such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The book examines the conditions of women and men in First World War Berlin in great detail, has revealed the significance of such changes, because they radicalised women and directly contributed to the revolutions that tore Germany apart in 1918. Nor were battle zones devoid of women, as invading armies inevitably encountered civilians and as women themselves, albeit in tiny numbers, did serve as soldiers.