WW 11 on the
Home Front
by ColletteAfter the attack on Pearl Harbor, Americans were behind President Roosevelt’s push to enter the War in Europe and especially the War in the Pacific. After the loss of so many ships and planes following the attack, everyone was ready to roll up his sleeves and help America and her allies win the war. Men rushed to join the war, leaving women to fight the fight on the home front.
Agricultural production increased immediately, and most people fed their families by implementing “victory gardens” so more food could be shipped overseas. Rationing of such products as gasoline, oil, sugar, meat, butter, shoes, and rubber was strictly enforced. No one could purchase the rationed items without stamps. Drives were conducted by the Boy Scouts, schools, and other groups to collect everything from scrap iron to even bacon grease used in explosives.
Everyone did his part to step-up war production, but women played a huge role in producing planes, ships, jeeps, tanks, guns, ammunition, and the other necessities of war. “Rosie the Riveter” left her kids with her mother and went to work in unprecedented numbers. Major CEOs of companies received $1.00 a year income in order to pour more money into their production lines. No one could have foreseen how quickly and efficiently America geared up for war. Everyone on the home front helped win the war overseas and effectively ended the Great Depression, as well.
The following sites provide more information.
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/us-home-front-during-world-war-ii
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_front_during_World_War_II
http://www.ushistory.org/us/51.asp
http://www.archives.gov/boston/exhibits/homefront
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