Warriors or Angels? Brazilian Women and the Great War

Abstract

The First World War had great repercussion worldwide, having occurred in the midst of numerous transformations in the economic, political, social and cultural spheres. The impact in Brazil happened mainly from 1917, when Brazil was directly assaulted by Germany and declared war to that country. This article reflects the debates about female participation in the War, whether as supporters, nurses or soldiers. The formation of the Women’s Legion of Death in Russia has made a major impact by showing the world the images of women in military uniforms and fighting in the battlefield. In the same way the appeal of the Red Cross by volunteers became an international clamor. In addition, there were the feminist and suffragist agenda and the discussions on the role of women in modern society.