Women in the Russian and Soviet military, as in other nations, have played an important role in their country's military history,[citation needed] in particular during the Great Patriotic War. Despite performing various duties in the armies throughout Russian history,[citation needed] it was in the 20th century that women began to be given a more prominent role.[citation needed] Women of Russia and the Soviet Union played a significant role in World Wars,[citation needed] especially during World War II; arguably a greater role than in other combatant nations, although attitudes towards their contribution was occasionally paternalistic and reluctant.