"After the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on the American naval fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the U.S. was thrust into World War II (1939-45), and everyday life across the country was dramatically altered. Food, gas and clothing were rationed. Communities conducted scrap metal drives. To help build the armaments necessary to win the war, women found employment as electricians, welders and riveters in defense plants." (History)
"But there is one front and one battle where everyone in the United states. Every man, women, and child is in action that front is right here at home, in our daily lives." -Franklin Roosevelt, 1942
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When the war first started Americans knew it was clear that enormous quantities of airplanes, tanks, warships, rifles and other weapons and ammunition would be essential to beating America’s Enemies.
U.S. workers were vital in the production of war-related materials. Many of these workers were women. Because of tens of thousands of American men were joining the armed forces and heading into training and into battle, women began taking men's jobs as welders, electricians and riveters in factories. Until that time, such positions had been strictly for men only. During the years in the war many men left their jobs to join the military and to fight for their country. This led to a huge demand for women to work in factories and other jobs. After the war though many women were released from their current job so that men would have their job back. |
Many women canned foods like carrots,peas,cucumbers,etc during World War 2 to
prevent hunger because Rationing wasn't very reliable
for some Americans.
prevent hunger because Rationing wasn't very reliable
for some Americans.
Alex Sobey
The American Home Front Resources
Interesting Fact
During World War 2 to help conserve Food, Americans planted "Victory Gardens" in which they grew there own food. In 1945, 20 million gardens were being used. About 40% of these gardens were being consumed by Americans.