Working American Women of World War II

Prior to World War II, most looked at the woman’s role in society as that of wife and mother, even women themselves viewed their role this way. Some states even barred married women from having a job. However, World War II had our county’s needs viewing this differently. While our working men were overseas fighting in the war, both men and women had to change their outlook on the role women would have to take on and contribute to America outside of their homes. Women educators had a network of women to which they could recruit for many military and civilian jobs. The armed forces also recruited via advertising, outreach programs and college students.

I can do Anything you can do….Right? Below is a list of various jobs during World War II held in the United States. Place an X after each job women held during this time. One hint is given in the picture below. Air-rade Warden Fire Fighter Nurse Taxi Driver Architect Garbage Collector Pilot Ticket Taker Barber Lumberjack Pipe Fitter Tinsmith Chemist Machinist Riveter Traffic Cop Crane Operator Mechanic Shipper Train Conductor Electrician Milkman Street Cleaner Welder

Rosie the Riveter was an iconic figure in America during World War II Rosie the Riveter was an iconic figure in America during World War II. She exemplified what women could be and that women were capable of the work in need. View the link below to see exactly just how she became to be. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/rosie-the-riveter

The term "Rosie the Riveter" was written by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb in 1942. The song was recorded by numerous artists, including the popular big band leader Kay Kyser, where is became a popular hit. View the link below to hear this delightful melody and view real life video of American working women during World War II. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55NCElsbjeQ

World War II African American Women Workers Undervalued, black women served their nation greatly during World War II. More than 6,500 black women volunteered in the Women’s Army Corps. The 6888th Central Post Battalion was the only all black WAC unit serving overseas. They kept the mail flowing to more than seven million servicemen and women in Europe. (ww2.fsu.edu/African-American). Unfortunately, fewer African American women were accepted in other branches. One example is in the 512 black women in the Army Nurse Corps who were only allowed to nurse black troops or German prisoners of war. Lt. Florie E. Grant…tends a patient at a prisoner of war hospital in England, Oct. 7, 1944.

Women’s Baseball during World War II Even professional baseball players were needed to fight during the War and Chicago Cubs owner Philip K. Wrigley wondered what would happen to America’s favorite pastime. With this, the All American Girls Professional Baseball League was the means for Americans at home to escape the War time worries. These women were brought in from recruiters who sought the ladies from high schools, industrial leagues, village churches in both the U.S. and Canada. Among their playing, the ladies played in exhibition games for soldiers at training camps and visited military hospitals – all the while wearing pretty skirts to play and slide in on the field. *Wrigley played to the All American Girl theme and at the beginning of each game, both teams would form a V shape for Victory following with the Star Spangled banner. http://www.aagpbl.org/index.cfm/pages/league/12/league-history).

This league became well known to many from the popular 1992 movie, A League of Their Own. Below is a multiple choice fun fact trivia game to do only after watching the movie which we will be watching in class Wednesday and Thursday! The trivia is an assignment and to be done at home however, those that turn into me before class on Friday via my school email will get 20 extra credit points! Good luck and have fun! http://www.funtrivia.com/html5/index.cfm?qid=313866

References: The Working Women of War World II, Retrieved from, http://www.nationalww2museum.org/learn/education/for-teachers/lesson-plans/pdfs/working-women-editorial.pdf Rosie the Riveter, Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/rosie-the-riveter Rosie the Riveter Song, Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55NCElsbjeQ World War II Remembered, from Homemaker to Shipbuilder, Retrieved from http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/wwii/ahf/reilly/intro.htm Smithsonian National Postal Museum, The History and Experience of African Americans in American’s Postal Service, Retrieved from http://postalmuseum.si.edu/AfricanAmericanhistory/p7.html Official Website of the AAGPBL, League History, Retrieved from http://www.aagpbl.org/index.cfm/pages/league/12/league-history