Way before the American entry into the First World War, Washington's policy wonks had been watching closely the events as they unfolded in Europe. The clearest aspect to observe was that the war was like no other in history; it was a "total war" that called for the deployment of every element within the grasp of all the combatant nations, including women.
Ida Tarbell (1857 - 1944), one of the greats of American journalism, wrote this article about the policy changes that were evolving in Washington and recognized that the mobilization of women in the cause of defeating Germany was a solid step in the direction of victory:
"One of the many innovations of the National Council of Defense is an entirely original attempt to use the women power of the country."
Tarbell insightfully pointed out that up until that moment men and women had very little experience working together side by side.
Click here to read more articles about the roll women played throughout World War One.
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