Introduction

World War II was a global conflict that lasted from September 1939 to September 1945 between two opposing military alliances: the Allies, consisting of forces from Great Britain, France, the United States, and the Russian Soviet Union (in 1941), and the Axis powers, consisting of forces from Germany, Italy, and Japan. Beginning with the invasion of Poland, Hitler’s forces sought to expand Germany into a world superpower and took control of a majority of Europe through blitzkrieg tactics. Germany dominated the war in Europe for years until a series of rigorously planned and executed operations allowed the Allies to liberate captured countries and defeat the combined German and Italian forces.

However, these operations were only possible due to a group of people not often talked about or appreciated in the context of history: women. Even though their service in military and resistance conflicts were a large part of what made them successful, it is rare to hear their contributions even mentioned in war documentaries, books, school curriculum, or remembrance speeches. Many women died in service of their country, yet their hard work and sacrifices were forgotten. To highlight the roles and achievements of these dedicated women gives new and necessary perspectives to the significant events of World War II.