The Home Front

In my initial post, I asked how World War II affected the home front. As I had already suspected, the war had affected America at home, but I had no idea how drastically the environment had been changed. Since most of the nation's men were fighting overseas, women were called on to join the workforce. In a famous propaganda poster, Rosie the Riveter is pulling up her sleeve in a pose with her muscles flexed, encouraging, "We can do it!" The American industry boomed during World War II due to the vastly increased rate of weapons production, and with it came a very welcome recovery from the depression of the thirties. In fact, the spirit of the time even called for marginalization of unnecessary production not related to the war. For example in 1941, three million cars were manufactured, but throughout the war, there were only one hundred and thirty nine. Car and machinery companies instead began to focus their efforts on engines, ships, guns, tanks, and trucks. Because of the people's determination to serve their country, the United States' total production for the war was about equal to the production of the rest of the world during the same time period.

In addition, the absence of the country's men often left women in charge of a household alone. The war ultimately turned the stereotypical American woman's role to the supporter of the family. Over 350,000 women joined the military in various divisions. Citizen were asked to collect scrap metal that could be used to build armaments, and kids often scoured the street for cans or rubber tires. At the same time, rationing began which basic essentials were limited, and luxuries were out of the question. In total war, everyone and everything seemed to be constantly directed towards the war effort in an act of support and patriotism.