Rationing
On the homefront, many of the preparations looked familiar to those who had already experienced World War I. Rationing was a major factor. Rationing is the process of limiting resources to those living at home so that as much as possible could be sent to the soldiers. This includes things like bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and other items related to personal hygiene. Other materials like rubber and steel were also rationed so that the manufacture of war goods could continue. Families would also get a book of rationing coupons that they would have to make last for a period of time. Once they were out of rationing coupons, they could no longer acquire the items.
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Victory Gardens
The Role of Women
During World War II, women were still not allowed to fight on the battlefield, but they found many other ways to fight and contribute to the war effort. Women could join the military and fight as a pilot, or serve in overseas units in other capacities like nurses and office workers. Also, much like the first World War, the women at home proved vital to the success of the war. Women were encouraged to work in defense industries to support the war while the men fought on the battlefield.
Rosie the RiveterRosie the Riveter became a symbol of the American woman. Rosie the Riveter was a fictional character who worked the rivet machine in a factory, building machinery while the men were at war. Images of Rosie the Riveter were dispersed throughout the country to call women to work, and to empower women. After World War II, American women were once again asked to return to the home.
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Eleanor RooseveltEleanor Roosevelt was the first lady of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and she dedicated her life to fighting for human rights around the world. Eleanor Roosevelt is notable because she took a very active role as First Lady of the United States. She worked to promote the formation of the United Nations after the war. Many believe that without her input and support, the United Nations would not have been created. She also served as a humanitarian and spoke in weekly radio broadcasts, much like FDR did with his fireside chats.
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The Role of African Americans
Although slavery was made illegal with the 13th amendment, and the 14th and 15th amendments sought to provide equality through voting rights and equal protection, African Americans were still far from equal. In the United States, segregation (the separation of races) was in full swing, and many African Americans were struggling to make a living. When WWII erupted, over 2.5 million black men registered for the draft and one million served as draftees or volunteers in all of the branches of the Armed Forces during conflict. Most black men who served were in the Army were sent to segregated combat support groups. During World War II, most African Americans serving in the military were working in unskilled jobs, such as loading supplies. African-Americans also found themselves working in the jobs in support of their country at home. Factory jobs continued to attract migrants from rural areas, and often allowed African-Americans new levels of job success. After the war, many African Americans petitioned for their rights to racial equality and integration. Many African Americans were forced out of the jobs they held during the war by returning white servicemen. African Americans had served their country, the same as white Americans, and felt that they were owed the same respect and admiration.
The Tuskegee Airmen
In addition, the United States military opened access for careers in the military that had been previously impossible to obtain. One example of this was the Tuskegee Airmen. The first African-American pilots in American military history, the Tuskegee Airmen, began training in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1940. From there, this group of pilots and support personnel, trained and served during World War II. They proved to be skilled pilots, and served bravely in numerous military engagements.
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