The First World War: An end to political emancipation for French women?

Since the 19th century, feminist discourses and political theories have entered every part of French society, urban and rural. Paradoxically, the Great War, by mobilizing men, allows a politically active life to the women. Little by little they assume the widest functions and responsibilities in civil life, in national defence, but also in municipal life, as delegates in Departmental committees, as secretaries in town halls, to deputy-mayors and mayors. Certain members of the Assembly acknowledge the importance of their role, but in 1919 French women fail to obtain from the new Parliament even the right to a partial vote which most women obtain elsewhere in Europe and the Americas. The Senate, dominated by the Parti radical, is opposed to the measure for many years; the was veterans are more inclined to support it, feeling no great desire to change a society founded on the Code civil.