did women increasingly work in factories, stores and offices before after World War I?
Before World War I, women were already starting to enter the workforce in increasing numbers, particularly in factories and garment workshops. However, it was during and after World War I that the number of women working in factories, stores, and offices significantly increased.
During the war, many men were drafted into military service, leaving vacancies in the workforce that needed to be filled. Women took on roles traditionally held by men, working in factories to produce munitions, vehicles, and supplies for the war effort. After the war, many women continued to work in these industries, as well as in other areas such as clerical work in offices and retail jobs in stores.
Overall, World War I was a significant turning point for women in the workforce, as it led to more opportunities for women to work outside the home and contribute to the economy. This paved the way for the further expansion of women's presence in the workforce in the years that followed.