Women in the Armed Forces and War Industry During World War II ca. 1943

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Description

World War II produced many changes to the social and economic fabric of the United States. The booming war industry led to mass migrations to the Sunbelt, while a shortage of some consumer goods spurred an emerging black market. Propaganda films and materials from the Office of War Information (OWI) encouraged and celebrated the new role of women in the war industry. The Women's Army Corps (WAC), Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), and Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services (WAVES) reflected a shift towards women in the armed forces. However, only a very small percentage of women held jobs in the defense plants and armed forces. The majority were white-collar workers such as secretaries and record keepers.