WOMEN'S LAND ARMY and the FARMETTES

WOMEN'S LAND ARMY and the FARMETTES

At the U.S.'s entry into the war, Americans were concerned over food scarcity. Food riots occurred in several cities during the winter of 1917. In a speech to the nation in April, President Woodrow Wilson emphasized agriculture's importance. "Upon the farmers of this country, therefore, in large measure rests the fate of the war and the fate of nations," he acknowledged. "The time is short. It is of the most imperative importance that everything possible be done, and done immediately, to make sure of large harvest."

Unfortunately America's first draft soon meant that the farm labor the President deemed so crucial would now be sent overseas.

Hilda Loines and Mary Hamilton established the Women's Land Army in response to the need for agricultural labor. "All over America today suffragists are leading a back to the land movement in response to the nation's call for greater production of foodstuffs...they have put their hand to the plow and are not turning back," wrote the Woman's Journal.