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The Home Front World War II
The Home Front Not everyone who participated in World War II stood on the front line with the risk of being shot. Those who endured hardships on the home front were also critical participants. As a result, World War II brought about a number of domestic changes in American society that had long-lasting effects. Following America's official entry into World War II, patriotism soared. Citizens were willing to carry out blackout drills and civil defense drills; recycle metals, paper, and even cooking fats; and work longer hours but have fewer consumer goods to buy with their salaries. Americans conserved and recycled everything that could be reused in the war industry, including such materials as metal, paper, and rubber. They bought war bonds that gave both monetary income and moral support to the government. They modified their clothing, gravitating to styles that used fewer resources. Menswear eliminated vests and cuffs on pants; women began to wear shorter, narrower skirts. Americans cut back on foodstuffs and other consumer goods. Ration cards had to be used to purchase such precious items as gasoline, coffee, meat, and sugar. In short, Americans made do with less so more could be put into the war effort. "The War at Home: World War II (Overview)." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2009. Web. 6 Dec. 2009. <http://www.americanhistory.abc-clio.com>.
Rationing • Click Here to Watch the Video • Source: The War - A Film By Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. Dir. Ken Burns. Perf. KEN BURNS. PBS, 2007. Film.
Children during the War Shortly after the United States enter the war, President Roosevelt declared in a fireside chat that there is “one front and one battle where everyone in the United States—every man, woman, and child– is in action. That front is right here at home.” Children on the home front rallied to the war effort by participation in scrap medal drives, earning money for war bonds, and joining the labor force. Since there mothers were at work, some children were left to fend for themselves. These children were known as “latchkey children” or “eight- hour orphans” and were cause for great concern. Some children wandered the streets, some were locked in cars, and others were sent to all day movies. Teenagers often left school and went to work in factories. About one third of teens were working as child laborers during the war. Some teens also took to a life of crime. Boys were arrested for vandalism and theft while some girls were arrested for prostitution.
Propoganda "The War at Home: World War II (Visual)." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2009. Web. 6 Dec. 2009. <http://www.americanhistory.abc-clio.com>.
Music in World War II • Click the link to hear the song • Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy • I’ll Be Seeing You • White Christmas
Answer One of the Following • Which group was most impacted by the war? Which group contributed most to the war effort? • How did the average American family’s life change during the war? • How did people in the home front help or hurt the war effort?
