Women in war

Women served as warriors in many ancient armies. Some ancient civilizations like the Scythians, Sarmatians and many others had female regiments which inspired the creation of the story of the Amazons in Ancient Greece.

During World War I and World War II, the primary role of women shifted towards employment in munitions factories, agriculture and food rationing, and other areas to fill the gaps left by men who had been drafted into the military. One of the most notable changes during World War II was the inclusion of many of women in regular military units. In several countries, including the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, and the United Kingdom in the European Theater, as well as China and Imperial Japan in the Pacific Theater, women served in combat roles, such as anti-aircraft warfare, guerrilla warfare, and direct engagement in frontline battles. Additionally, women were also active in underground and resistance movements.

After 1945, the roles available to women in major armies were significantly reduced. However, beginning in the 1970s, women gradually assumed increasing roles in the military of major nations, eventually including combat positions such as pilots by 2005 in the United States. These new combat roles sparked controversy, with debates centered around differences in physical capabilities between the sexes, and issues related to gender identity for both women and men. A number of studies indicate that some objections may be unfounded, as female units perform similarly to male units.

History

• History of women in the military
• Uprisings led by women
• Women in warfare and the military in the ancient era
• Women in warfare and the military in the medieval era
  • Women in the Crusades
  • Roles of women, children, and class
• Women in warfare and the military in the early modern era
• Women in warfare and the military (1750–1799)
  • Women in the American Revolution
  • Women in the French Revolution
  • Women in the Haitian Revolution
• Women in warfare and the military in the 19th century
  • List of female American Civil War soldiers
• Women in warfare and the military (1900–1939)
• Women in warfare and the military (1900–1945)
• Women in warfare and the military (1945–1999)