The Historical Collection by Paulia Belgado

The Historical Collection by Paulia Belgado

Author:Paulia Belgado [Belgado, Paulia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers
Published: 2023-05-27T22:01:11+00:00


Game of Courtship with the Earl

Paulia Belgado

Author Note

Modern steelmaking as we know it didn’t start until the development of the Bessemer process in the 1850s. There’s not much in the history books about the role of women in the iron furnaces and steel forges, but we do know that women became vital to the steelmaking industry during World War II. With the men at war, women took up jobs in factories, including some of the most dangerous ones in the steel industry.

While Rosie the Riveter, much like Maddie in my story, is a fictional character from Pittsburgh, there were some real-life women who contributed not only to the war effort but to the women’s rights movement in general.

The Women of Steel from Sheffield kept the city’s steelworks industry running during both World Wars so Britain’s forces abroad would be well armed. They did this while still looking after their children at home. Today, a sculpture commemorating their contributions stands in the city.

Across the pond, American women also took up jobs they were later forced to give up once the men came back from war. However, many remained or later on inspired the next generation to enter these industries once exclusive to men.

Alice Peurala, a Chicago steelworker, sued her employer, US Steel’s South Works, in 1967 when she was being denied a promotion after years of service simply because she was a woman. So, she sued them and won. Her lawsuit also compelled steel companies to fight against racial and gender discrimination by signing the 1974 Consent Decree. Peurala formed the Local 65 Women’s Caucus and continued to fight against inequality until her death in 1986.

Thank you, ladies, for the inspiration. We will continue to fight the good fight.



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