Final answer:
The statement is false; historically, women have demonstrated their ability to handle the burdens of war by taking on various roles traditionally held by men and managing households during times of conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that many women found themselves incapable of handling the burdens of war when their husbands and fathers went off to fight is false.
Throughout history, especially during the world wars, women have shown remarkable resilience and capability. They took on roles vacated by men, such as working in factories, running businesses, and even serving in auxiliary military positions. Additionally, they managed the household and provided emotional support to their families and communities, showing they were far from incapable in handling the burdens of war.