Preface
At the expense of everything, including their lives, people had to demonstrate their humanity, fortitude, and patience during world wars. The nation needed the assistance of its citizens during these times. History texts claim that men made all the contributions, but this is false (The National WWII Museum, 2000). To comprehend the contribution and strength of women during World War II, this paper will examine their role in the conflict.
Core Findings
All the citizens of the participating nations experienced extreme chaos during the World War. It was one of the most trying moments, and every human being’s fortitude and contribution were needed. This encompassed women and the nation’s female population. In history, women’s roles are frequently left unsaid. During those times, women played a variety of roles. Women made a substantial contribution to the workforce during World War 2, whether at home or on the battlefield.
Based on historical data, around six million people have aided in settings where men predominate. While providing support during those times, women broke numerous records and barriers. Of those, 57% chose to work in the war zone, 30% chose to work for the Red Cross, and the remaining members participated in the armed forces. Additionally, this dispelled preconceived notions about the kinds of jobs that women could perform and made them on par with males in that era. To achieve effective outcomes, most of them worked as nurses who treated patients’ shoulders and played a crucial part in ensuring their safety. These women were also observed operating ambulances, working in industries, building airplanes, and doing field tests during the world’s events. This was one of the first significant events that involved the male-dominated society’s recognition of women long before they were empowered and accorded equal respect (Striking Women, 2019).
On the other hand, some narcissistic men of the era did not accept this, but that did not stop the women of that era from doing their best to make the tough times easier because they were operating with a different perspective and did not care about other people’s opinions or expect gratitude in return. It was extremely difficult for the women who were in their houses because they were the only women who did not work and were entirely reliant on the men of the household to provide for them, they were the ones who endured the most hardship. The largest obstacle for them was having to take over the men’s jobs while they were away at war.
After their husbands went to battle, they then began to make more money than the men. They even accepted positions in defence plants and offices. Seventy-five percent of the women wanted to stay in their occupations after the war. However, they were requested to go back home and relinquish control to their spouses. Women in the Air Force were not directly involved with the military. The aircraft would be flown to the military installation by female Air Force service pilots. Positively, women also participated in the marine services through the Coast Guard’s SPARS branch.
However, until the end of the war, black women were prohibited from enlisting in those forces. They were permitted to directly contribute to the industry’s development and weapon design. Many women also worked on projects requiring scientific skills, such as creating the atomic bomb. During World War II, American women were crucial both at home and in the military. Giving up their husbands, dads, and sons to fight in the war was one of the largest donations; some also donated their time, effort, and even their lives (Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson, 2001).
According to historical accounts, the United States swiftly enlisted in the war following the Japanese attack in 1939, involving all the nation’s women. Other nations, like as the Axis, took a very long time to exploit the nation’s women to strengthen their position. Hitler strongly objected to this US action, and Germans frequently said that a woman’s finest job is to be a good wife and have children. Teenage ladies wanted to marry the lads before they left for the war, thus as the war date drew nearer, hasty marriages became more common. These women frequently began working in any of the occupations after their husbands left for the war. The defence plants, for instance, in addition to their customary household tasks. The enhancement of New Orleans’ transportation infrastructure, where women operated street cars, is another notable example of the significant role that women played (Ministry of Defence, 2015).
Conclusion
The paper conducted a thorough assessment of women’s roles throughout World War II. In addition to taking care of their houses, they worked in the military and air force, ran streetcars and vans, treated injured shoulders, and even created the atomic bomb. Ultimately, it may be concluded that women’s contributions to World War 2 were praiseworthy. By the end of the war, these women needed to be valued more and hold a more significant position in society, but they were still expected to return to their homes. It took several decades for women to gain their own position and assume different responsibilities in society.