Women in World War II

Women in World War II

Life for women changed dramatically after the start of World War II. Many women had to get out of their comfort zone on the home front and go to work in the men’s field. Women faced man hardships while the men were away at war.

Women had many jobs on the homefront during the war. They volunteered in the Red Cross and the Office of Civilian Defense (The National World War II Museum. “The Role) (Minnesota History Center) they also provided recreation to the men in canteens and sold war bonds. With the men being gone, women had to work on the farm to replace their husbands. Women also had to feel other male positions such as working in factories and shipyards. (Minnesota History Center). Most women were laid off after the war ended and the men returned home needing jobs (The National World War II Museum “The Role).

During the war, essential items had to be rationed. Food, fuel, and many household items were in short supply (The National World War II Museum “Rationing”). Clothing, gas, and food had to be rationed (The US Homefront during World War II). Every American was issued a series of ration books. Once a person’s ration stamps were used up, he/she could not buy any more of that product (The National World War II Museum “Rationing”).

Women had many other jobs in the Second World War Women had to become proficient cooks and housekeepers, manage the finances, and learn to fix their cars. Some women even because “conductorettes.” They also helped out by volunteering in war-related organizations (The National World War II Museum “American”). Other women went on and served in the military (The National World War II Museum “The Role).

Many women served in uniform at home and abroad. Women took office at clerical jobs in the armed forces, freeing men to fight. They volunteered in the Women’s Army Corps, The Navel Women’s Reserve, The Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, and The Coast Guard of Women’s Reserve (The National World War II Museum “American”). Women became air force pilots, working with the WAFs and the WASPs (Women in the US Army). Women flew military aircraft and test flew plane they had repaired. Women trained anti-aircraft artillery gunners by acting as flying targets. They rigged parachutes, analyzed photographs, and served as radio operators. Women drove trucks, worked as laboratory technicians, and many become army