Home Front

The home front played a vital role in the success of World War II. American farmers fed the whole world while women, children and the elderly entered the work force to take up the tools left by the men who had entered the armed services. Women also planted Victory Gardens to grow needed vegetables and permit other foodstuffs to be sent to the troops. Children did their part by collecting scrap metal. Many Americans used their meager savings to purchase war bonds to help pay for the War.

As a result of the War, the social structure of America was changed forever. Recycling, food stamps and rationing became household words. The war also produced new inventions such as synthetic rubber, electronics and nylon, reshaping the economy and affecting our lives today.

The "Star in the Window" became as sybol of hope and the dreaded telegram that began, "I regret to inform you..." was a symbol of fear.