5. They played football (soccer)
Many factories in the U.K allowed their female workers to play football, and join or set up football teams (the name soccer is only in the U.S). Working in large numbers and having time for leisure, the sport was actually encouraging as it was one way to building morals and personal health. Several women in munitions industries created their own teams such as the Dick, Kerr’s Ladies FC in Preston and the Blyth Spartans AFC, and played against each other. Many matches were set up to raise funds. In 1917-18, the Munitionettes Cup was created with the Blyth Spartans winning the championship 5-0 in their last match. Many matches were played in professional clubs’ grounds and were able to bring large crowds, from 10,000 in the first days to more than 50,000 one day in 1920. However, when the men came back from war, female footballing dwindled and many were forced to go home and take care of their families. The sport enjoyed some success afterward, only to be banned in 1921 and not to be allowed until 50 years later.
4. Women’s fashion changed
When World War I hit home, fashion was also affected by it. Although wrongly referred as Edwardian, due to King Edward VII, it is actually a reflect of practicality, orientalism and war. Many women started wearing shorter skirts, trousers, and looser-waist clothing. Russian peasant costumes, military look, loosed-corsets, shoes with heels, less jewelry and less lavish clothing were on the rise. This era also saw the birth of the modern bra, trench coat and one-piece bathing suit. It also saw the birth of two stars: Paul Poiret, one of fashion first great designer, and Jeanne Paquin, the first internationally famous woman in the fashion world. Fashion shows were set up in Britain and the US. They also served the purpose to raise funds for the war effort.