Final answer:
Before World War II, about 1 million American women entered the workforce during WWI; by 1930, about 10 million were employed, and nearly 13 million by the end of the 1930s. They faced wage inequality and discrimination and traditionally were expected to leave their jobs post-war.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before World War II, there were significant shifts in the patterns of female employment. Approximately 1 million women entered the workforce during World War I, and by 1930, approximately 10 million women had entered the workforce in America. During the 1930s, despite labor laws against married women, the number rose to nearly 13 million women. The employment landscape for women further evolved as they increasingly took on positions in industries and jobs traditionally held by men, including roles such as munitions workers, civil servants, and in banking and offices. They often faced wage inequality and discrimination and were generally expected to return to their traditional roles after the wars ended.
It's important to note that the situation for American women was different from that in Europe. American female employment increased by only 6 percent during World War I, whereas European women saw a substantial shift with a higher percentage of women taking on industrial and munitions work due to the greater war demand and larger numbers of men in uniform. The roles women took on during these periods laid the foundation for future generations and gradually changed societal perceptions of women in the workplace.