“How important was the role of women during world war 1” The early rush of volunteers and later the conscription of men led to a shortage of manpower on the home front. Women, already working in munitions factories were encouraged to take on jobs normally done by men. This was the start of major social change. Before the war, women had been content to stay at home to bring up the family and do domestic work. It was considered unbecoming for a woman to work. During the war it was considered unpatriotic not to. Many changes came about as shown by the quote from A. J. P Taylor English History “ Women became more independent. Women paid for their round at the pub. F