BIO

Hello all! My name is Arianna Kassatly and I am a human resource management major in the FSU College of Business. I'm originally from Atlanta, but have wanted to go to school in Florida for as long as I can remember and have loved living in Tallahassee for the past two years. In the future, I hope to get my MBA and eventually start my own business. I'm an active member of the UROP program, the FSU Honors program, and am also an intern with the Minuet Group. Although I'm a business major, I chose to pursue a research project that was in the history department to not only broaden my horizons, but because I find the message of our project extremely impactful and empowering. Thanks you for attending the Undergraduate Research Symposium! Enjoy!

Ungentlemanly Warfare: The Women of the SOE

Abstract

Ungentlemanly Warfare is about unearthing the stories of women spies in the Special Operations Executive (SOE) active during WWII. While these agents were very influential in WWII, their stories are often swept under the rug and they have received very little recognition for their efforts. With the research we are engaged in, we are creating a database on these women spies, their backgrounds, and accomplishments. These details show that these women were powerful forces that knew their capabilities and that they were able to aid Europe during these challenging times. These women not only fought fascism but also had to combat the patriarchy while out in the field. These spies’ drive to survive often came from the reminder of what they were fighting for. They found power in keeping their true identities a secret from the Gestapo because in doing so, they were fighting against tyranny and cruelty. These women spies were so passionate about the freedom of their country that they endured unimaginable torture and fear to maintain the SOE and lead to the ultimate destruction of the Nazis. It is now our responsibility to bring their stories to light.

Keywords: WWII, History, SOE, Britain