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Period: to
American Women During World War II
During the time of the second World War, women in America had to change their roles to adapt to the losses of the war, but continue to keep their previous lives and families going. Outside sources:
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/american-women-in-world-war-ii
http://www.womensmemorial.org/H&C/History/wwii.html
https://www.nwhm.org/online-exhibits/partners/32.htm
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/wwii/ahf/reilly/end.htm -
Change
Because men in the country were fighting overseas, wmoen had to change their workplaces by moving into factories to supply for the war effort. -
Continuity
Women continued their housework and voluntary activities to continue supporting the war effort, even if it was from home. -
Continuity
Women had to continue to raise their children under strict rations to keep their families alive. -
Change
Teenage girls experienced changes in their school curriculum as well. High school student were not allowed to study German, and instead had to study war classes, such as Morse code and meteorology. -
Change
Congress created the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps, which was later changed to the Women's Army Corps, changed women's roles in the military, allowing full membership non-combat positions. -
Continuity
Teenage girls continued with their high school lives by going to dances, hanging out on the weekends, and communicating with their boyfriends, even though it was by letter. -
Change
Jobs that women held changed yet again by the end of the war. Women could now aid the war effort with scientific and technological advances, which didn't exist at the eginning of the war. -
Change
Women who served in different branches of the military had a change in where they were allowed to fight. Some branches went overseas to Hawaii and Alaska, where they have never served before. -
Change
They ways in which women were treated changed. Women died fighing for their country, they were held prisoner-of-war camps, and they received prestigious medals for their bravery and service, such as the Purple Heart, Bronze Stars, and Legions of Meritt. -
Change
The day Germany surrendered, young women kissed random strangers on the street in celebration. This was a change from the more modest demeanors of the time.