The inner turmoil in Russia from the Soviet Revolution and WWI provided women an opportunity to break societal gender roles. Russia was the only country during WWI to give women the opportunity to serve as combatants in the military. Yashka had enlisted in the war under the Czar in 1914. Although it was against the law for women to enlist, Yashka was permitted because of the need for soldiers. After the revolution, the Soviets released Order No. 1 which stated that men in the military could abandon the war and retreat. Yashka stood firm in her conviction that winning the war against Germany was the only way they would be free. She met with the new government and convinced them to help her launch an all-women combat unit which became known as the Battalion of Death. This class will be taught through a PowerPoint presentation and students will be able to share thoughts and questions during the duration of the lecture.