The Home Front

Winning the war would require the United States to effectively organize and distribute its resources. Therefore, the government forged a close working relationship with industry in order to effectively allocate resources. Businesses changed their production from peacetime to wartime products, while ramping up production. Because so many men were drafted into the military service or volunteered to fight, manufacturers turned to women and minorities to fill job vacancies. The government also encouraged women to serve in non-combat military jobs through advertising campaigns and fictional characters like Rosie the Riveter. Minorities, like African Americans, migrated to cities in search of jobs, and continued to campaign for equality while contributing to winning the war. All Americans had to deal with rationing of essential products, and paid increased income taxes. Some Americans helped the war effort by buying war bonds and volunteering. Finally, the communications industries supported public morale by following censorship rules on war reporting and producing patriotic-themed movies, plays, shows, and ad campaigns that kept Americans focused on winning the war.