American Women in World War II

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 4

Free-writing task

On the next slide you will see a topic.

Write whatever comes to mind in full sentences

You have 1 minute to write as much as you can

There is no right or wrong answer

Women in war

American Women in WWII

World War II provided unprecedented opportunities for American women to enter into jobs that had never been open to women.

Women faced challenges such as cultural stereotypes against working women, and finding adequate childcare. 

Minority women endured discrimination and dislocation.

350,000 women served in the armed forces during World War II.

After the war, many women were fired from their jobs.

Study and analyse the poster...

then answer the questions to follow...

1. What is the purpose of the poster?

2. What type of jobs were available for women in the army back then?

Rosie the Riveter

• Government propoganda campaign: encourage women to volunteer in wartime service
• Represented women working in factories and shipyards
  
• Cosmetics never rationed
• Well-kept American women important for morale

Do you think Rosie is a symbol of women's strength? Or a symbol that women had to retain certain standards of beauty during the war?

Video: American Women during WWII (1939-1945)

While watching the video, answer the questions below:

1. What effect did World War II have on women's work? 
2. Which of the jobs available to women during wartime would you have wanted, and why?

Video: American Women during WWII (1939-1945)

Share your answers.

1. What effect did World War II have on women's work? 
2. Which of the jobs available to women during wartime would you have wanted, and why?

Find a quote that describes your opinion of the role of women in war.
Explain why you chose this quote.