women in wwii


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WWII on the Homefront

 

Life on the American Homefront was very unique in that while the black cloud of war loomed over the country, it was one of the few places in the world that was not under constant attack. Yet, many practiced for the war that was already taking place in Europe.

Almost immediately after Pearl Harbor, many local organizations, some of which were organized by the Civil Defense program were kicked into high gear. Air raid drills and blackouts were practiced on both coasts throughout the war. The Civil Air Patrol and other organizations posted airplane spotter posters and urged civilians to keep a sharp eye for enemy air craft. Air raid lookout posts were set up along both coasts. Children built model airplanes and collected scrap metal. Groups like the boyscouts and girlscouts pitched in, too, selling war bonds and collecting items to send oversees.

The radio and newspapers were the closest thing to their loved ones at the front, however, news was sometimes days or even weeks behind the actual action. Letters from home were sent via V-mail to help free up the postal system. A V-mail was written on special stationary, which was then photographed and reduced to just a tiny letter to be delivered on the other end. There were even special V-mail cards that could be sent to a favorite GI.

Rationing was perhaps one of the most restricting things that happened to those who were living on the homefront during WWII. Having just recovered from the depression, Americans had finally just been able to start affording to buy things like food and clothing on a regular basis again. However, starting in 1942, almost everything made from metal, cloth, or rubber was rationed, or it's production stopped entirely. Many things like refrigerators could not be purchased new again until after the war. But the rationing board did not stop there. Food was rationed as well. Ration stamps and cards helped prevent hoarding and black market transactions, although the system was sometimes confusing. Homegrown and hunted food was not rationed, and families were encouraged to grow a Victory garden in their backyard. Many cookbooks highlighted ways to make foods using only rationed and alternative foods that could be grown in ones back yard.

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