Transcript Slide 1
American Home Front during World War II Americans Support the War at Home • FDR knew the war would be difficult for the Allies • Needed help from American people at home to win • US government expected people to make sacrifices • Everybody needed to pitch in to do their part: – Rationing, recycling, war bonds, victory gardens, going to work • People of all ages felt proud that they could help win the war Getting the Word out - Propaganda • The Allies (and the Axis) used propaganda to influence citizens at home. • Propaganda – media (posters, brochures, commercials, short films) that is used to influence the way that people feel about something. Many times, propaganda encourages people to take action in some way. Rationing • Rationing – using as little as possible of something (so that there is plenty for the army) • Americans were limited on buying certain items (meat, sugar, gas, etc.) • Issued ration books with stamps to use when buying things - $ too – This allowed the US government to save needed items for the soldiers fighting Ration Stamps Victory Gardens • Also wanted a way to save food for the soldiers fighting overseas • People were encouraged to plant gardens – “Victory Gardens” • Vegetables, Potatoes, Beans, etc. • Buy less from the stores – farmers send more food overseas • People eat their own produce • Larger gardens could donate food Recycling Drives • Items were needed to help make machines, clothing, equip, etc. • Airplanes, ships, trucks, uniforms, jackets, etc. • Items: tin, rubber, rags, paper, garden hoses, metal, etc. • This was an opportunity for young kids to help too • Everybody was expected to help – age did not matter Recycling Posters War Bonds/Stamps • Government needed money to pay for the war • War bonds – basically a loan to the government • Varying values for both – cents to dollars • Bonds increase in value over time • Can be traded in later for $ return • Government used celebrities to get people to buy more bonds • Raised hundreds of millions War Bonds and Stamps Women Join the Workforce - again • Millions of men left to join the military some women too • Women were needed to fill jobs (WWI) • Known as “Rosie the Riveters” • Worked in factories making tanks, planes, ships, uniforms, etc. – heavy industry • Previously these jobs were not available women • Now they were desperately needed • Many fired after the war – make room soldiers returning home • Many women looked to stay in the work force rather than return to the “life at home” – New Role opens up vocational (work) and educational opportunities for women – to for Rosie the Riveter