For most Americans on the home front during World War Two, the war years are a time of achievement as well as a time of uncertainty. It is also a time where many learn to live with less in a land of plenty. Despite the sacrifices endured by this notable generation, they made extraordinary contributions to help win the war and write the peace.

Rationing
January 1942, the Office of Price Administration, OPA, is established to ration supplies that are needed for the war effort. Twenty essential commodities from sugar to rubber to meat become strictly regulated. Ration books with designated point values are distributed to every household. American women quickly learn how to "get by." Careful planning becomes essential to make the available food supply last. Wartime recipes are devised to help homemakers stretch their meals. Delicacies such as franks and beans casserole become a family favorite. Only 2 pounds of meat per person is allotted each week. With inflationary prices and a restricted market the OPA places ceilings on prices. Volunteers visit shopkeepers to explain the need to display these signs. Without the restraint of both the consumer and the shopkeeper, inflation and the black market could spin out of control. With very little gas available, the OPA requires the 8 million automobile owners to register for gas rationing. Of all the sacrifices Americans are asked to make gas rationing is the least popular. Drivers have classifications from "A" to "E." "A" ticket holders are "pleasure drivers" and "E" ticket holders or "emergency" drivers are fortunate enough to have unlimited gas. 

Victory Gardens
To offset the food shortage, The Department of Agriculture urges Americans to plant their own vegetables. They are dubbed "Victory Gardens." The War Food Administration begins its campaign to encourage all Americans to grow, harvest, and share their bounty. Suddenly Americans all across the country grab their rakes and hoes and set in motion the greatest voluntary movement the country has ever known. Millions of small town backyards and city rooftop gardens begin to sprout up. Anywhere there is a parcel of land, you can find a victory garden. Neighborhoods share vacant lots, taking turns working the garden. Canning centers emerge. At its peak in 1944, over 20 million victory gardens produce a phenomenal 8 million tons of food -over half of the vegetables consumed in America. These extraordinary efforts make every American feel like they are striking a personal blow against the Axis. In fact, they play a major role in winning the war.

Scrap Drives
To supplement the raw materials essential for defense, Americans are asked to scour their garages and attics for scrap metal, rubber and paper. Virtually all consumer goods have a second life. Food handlers are urged to save kitchen fat which is used to make explosives. Rubber is one of the scarcest commodities. When the salvage truck arrives, Americans are ready to pitch in. Their discards will go into the manufacturing of weapons. Children of all ages take part in the salvage drives. It makes them feel like they are doing their part and earning a penny a pound doesn't hurt either! So zealous are these young scrap-hunters that the government has a hard time handling the huge mass of materials they collect. In fact, most of the materials collected are never used but it does continue to keep the morale high on the home front.

Women Enter The Work Force
With some ten million men at war, the solution to fill the jobs is both unexpected and obvious - Women! Crossing the complete spectrum of race, economic class, and educational backgrounds, women take jobs never before thought appropriate or even possible for a woman to perform. The poster image of the woman in overalls, wrench in hand, becomes the symbol of the new 1940's woman. "Rosie the Riveter" will become one of the most enduring icons of the war. With her powerful physic, perfect features and gender-bending persona, "Rosie" encourages women to roll up their sleeves and go to work. Women's uniquely precise skills and attention to detail often surpass those of their male counterparts. Other male concerns include family issues and future job security. Despite the challenges at home and in the workplace, women respond by doing their patriotic best. Whether they are motivated by propaganda, patriotism, economic benefits, independence or necessity, women join the work force at never before seen rates. In July 1944, when the war reaches its peak, 19 million women are employed. Without the contribution of women, America could not have won the war.

Women In The Military
To free more men for combat, in May of 1942 Congress creates the WAAC's -Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. Some commanders are reluctant to accept women into their units, but by mid-1943 the demand for them far exceed the numbers available. These women, eager to make their contribution, are voluntarily recruited for non-combat duties at home and overseas. The WAAC's are given Army pay, Army uniforms, Army discipline and Army training but the jobs they perform are often those of support ranging from administrative roles to aircraft mechanics to service at Aircraft Warning stations. In September 1942, The Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, WAFS, a division of the Army Air Force is created. The original mission for these commercially licensed pilots is to ferry light aircraft from the factory to the air fields. But soon, these "Fly Girls" are delivering fighters, bombers and transports planes to military bases. During WWII, over 350,000 women don military uniforms. Which ever military branch they serve, their contributions to the war effort earn them the respect they deserve.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
 

Barbara L. Kaye is the owner of OnDeck Home Entertainment http://www.OnDeckVideo.com an educational site dedicated to American history with an emphasis on African American history and cultural diversity. OnDeck also offers archival stock footage at a reasonable rate. 

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