Catherine Vercuiel

Catherine Vercuiel

April 5, 2025

13 Things Women Couldn’t Do 100+ Years Ago: A Look into Women’s Rights History

5. Military Service Was Off-Limits

A museum exhibit display titled "Serving on the Homefront" about World War II (1941-1945), documenting an important chapter in women's rights history. The display features military uniforms on mannequins (one navy blue, one white), historical photographs of women serving during wartime, and various artifacts in a glass case.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Women served as nurses but couldn’t officially join the military. They performed essential roles without recognition or pay. That changed during World War II when personnel shortages became critical. In 1942, women joined non-combat roles in the Army. Official recognition came in 1948 with the Women’s Army Corps. However, many combat roles stayed off-limits for decades.

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