True American History

Women made up 49.83% of the nation’s 132 million jobs in June of 2009; for the first time in American history, “Women are on the verge of outnumbering men in the workforce for the first time, a historic reversal caused by long-term changes in women's roles and massive job losses for men during this recession” (Cauchon). Just as the current recession has impacted the way that women exist in the workforce, so too did past national events influence women’s roles in the workplace. In the early twentieth century, it was rare for women to work outside of the home; World War II, with its incredibly high draft rate, left a labor gap in the United States that made it necessary for women to enter the workforce in record numbers. Although many

Following World War II, the overall percentage of women in the workforce fell to 28 percent, with women choosing to either, stay at home and raise their families, or they were laid off so that the positions were open to the returning veterans. The dominant attitude was that women needed to return to their homes and raise their children, but the seed had been planted in women’s minds that there was a possibility of paid employment outside of the home. Those women that worked during the war opened the door, allowing the following generations of women to enter the industrial workforce and become

Prior to WWII, American women would typically stay home. They cooked and cleaned, but all this soon changed. Once the U.S. officially entered World War II on December 7, 1941, following Pearl Harbor, many men were sent to fight. Since men were the main workforce, there was a lack of employees to complete the jobs left behind. Soon, however, these vacant spots would be replenished by a female workforce. Companies sent out propaganda in an attempt to convince women to work in previously “male” jobs. One such propaganda was “Rosie the Riveter”. Eventually, the amount of women working increased from 27% to 37%, and sixty-five percent of the aircraft industry was made up of women, by 1943. (History.com, American Women in World War II).Now, women not only worked at home, but on the battlefield as well. Approximately 350,000 women enrolled in the Armed Forces, and 100,00 became WACS(Women’s Army Corps). Nevertheless, these women at work, on the battlefield or at home, were not paid the same amount of money as the men who previously worked in these jobs. (History.com, American Women in World War II).

Rosie Wasn’t Always A Riveter: How The Second World War Altered Gender Structure in the American Workplace, 1941-1945

Women playing a role in male dominate workplaces actually took place before World War II. Women were seen doing the same process during World War I. But the ideal advertisement of “Rosie” came around when World War II came around. After the fighting stopped the social changes occurred when the contributions had a significant impact. The impact was not just on war, but the whole United States.

"I think a lot of women said, Screw that noise. 'Cause they had a taste of freedom, they had a taste of making their own money, a taste of spending their own money, making their own decisions. I think the beginning of the women 's movement had its seeds right there in World War Two." President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s quote clearly illustrates the significance of women in the workforce during World War Two and the feelings women may have felt. World War II was crucial for women in the workforce because it was the first time the government needed women in the workforce to replace men in their jobs, while they were away at war. Although, women had some involvement in the First Great War, there was no greater demand for women to the workforce then during World War Two. Although women played a crucial role in the successes of the Second Great War, society had varying opinions and outlooks revolving around women’s involvement in the workforce. Not everyone was supportive of women’s involvement in the labor force because of the stereotypes formed many years previous to World War II regarding women being simply homemakers and working only in their homes, or very seldom as secretaries. This view of women caused many problems for women in the workforce and it continues to be a problem for women today. It is evident while looking at this particular time in history, that there were varying views of women being a part of the workforce; it is clear that there are people who thought

When people hear the title “American” their minds automatically think about a citizen of the United States. Beginning in the year 1607, after Jamestown was founded, the title “American” would become a symbol, representing the values shared by the very founding fathers who stumbled across the nation. Many people around the world could be considered Americans, even if they have not seen North America in their entire lives, due to the term being known as a characteristic, not a title born into. In fact, any individual can achieve their goal of being an American or can be branded with this title, all they have to do is share the original American values, which may include, but are not limited to; the desire for independence and a great sense of

First, The 1920's were the time of change for women. Women began to work during WWII, while the men went to war. “Although this wartime employment of women did not have as dramatic an impact as it later would in World War II, and although most female wartime workers were not able to continue their jobs following demobilization, the phenomenon nevertheless paved the way for a greater acceptance of middle-class, single—and, to a lesser extent, married (but childless)—women working for pay.

America has been established as an independent country for a little over two centuries now, growing stronger and wealthier with every passing year. One phenomenon that the majority of Americans now days don’t realize is that this country was founded and built up by foreigners. But when they landed on Plymouth Rock way back then, they had no idea that the unknown land they discovered would one day become one of the most significant countries to ever exist. Though everyone who is born into this country are considered Americans, what does it truly mean to be an American after they have lived on our homeland’s soil for roughly two decades? The main identifications of a true American are: they are patriotic, they contribute to society and their community, and that they are hardworking and innovative.

After the United States entered World War II, government officials called on American women to join the workforce to replace manpower lost when they enlisted some 6 million soldiers. It was evident that the war stretched out all available resources and new sources were needed. In order to entice women to join the workforce, the government invented “Rosie the Riveter.” “Rosie the riveter” did not represent one singular woman nor was she even a real woman. Instead, she was a symbol female empowerment and of the wartime and sacrifices made by millions of women. As a result, women across the country reacted to the request to work depending on their race and class. Not

During the time of World War II, minorities were needed to step up during this time of conflict. One minority that had a direct impact within America during the war was the women. Before the war, women were seen within American society as housewives, who’s purpose was to tend to both the house and the family. While women took care of the house and family, the men who could find work, worked in industries which helped America function. Come World War II, the men were sent to fight overseas, resulting in an empty workforce. To prevent both the economy and the war effort from collapsing, women had to step up and take the jobs previously done by men. The actions of the women helped supply the war effort, and helped boost the economy. Post World

Concerning America today, many people have a set of "cardboard cut-out" traits that they tack onto American citizens, and what it means to be an American. These traits are typically very broad, and simplistic, and in many cases, are relics of the 50's. The truth, however, is quite different. Although some people try to attach universal traits to Americans, citizens of this country are very diverse in nature, belief, and ideology.

Therefore, systematic changes in American society can only be made through both dedicated men and women in regards to handling responsibilities of both public and private life. Feminist movements have attempted to create a more non-sexist society. World War II led to more women existing in the workforce, as men were taken out of the workplace to support the war efforts overseas. The United States military required large amounts of supplies as well, leading to even more women being introduced into the labor force. For an example of this, an approximate 310,000 woman worked in the aviation community during the World War II era (American Women in World War II). The industrial impact on the United States has been clearly labeled as a definitive factor for sexist/non-sexist values in the workplace and

As discussed above, World War II did have a great effect on the lives of women. The war opened up many opportunities for women in the employment arena and furthermore, encouraged them to pursue these opportunities. As a result, women discovered they could do many of the jobs that were typically labeled “man’s work” and what’s more they not only enjoyed it but, excelled at it. But, this was not the catalyst that caused women to leave their homes and enter the workforce as originally thought. According to the Palmer Survey data, a set of historical data on 4,350 working women from 1950, in addition to statistics from the Department of Labor regarding women in the workforce during the 1940’s, “more than 50 percent of the women working in 1950 had been employed in 1940 and that the rate of entrance into the labor force, among those employed in 1950, was the same during the first half of the 1940’s as during the second half. Just 20 percent of those working in 1950 had entered the labor force during World War II, and about half the wartime entrants left

The sight of a working woman today is not something that causes one to look twice. However, this was not always the case. It was a long struggle for women to get to where they are today, and there is still a long way to go. There were a few momentous occasions throughout history that caused a shift in the way women were viewed as workers, such as the need for workers during World War II, the Equal Pay Act, and the appointment of Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court. Women have made great strides in integrating themselves into the workforce alongside men and continue to do so today.