During World War II booklets were published to assist homemakers, who were mostly women at that time, provide for their families and meet the requirements of the wartime ration system created after the U.S. entered the war in December 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s executive order 8875 established the Office of Price Administration (OPA) on August 28, 1942. The OPA regulated the prices of most goods and limited the amount available for purchase across the country.
Goods such as gasoline, tires, coal, sugar, coffee, meat, dairy, silk, and shoes were rationed as they were needed for the war effort and because trade was disrupted by the war, making some items less available. The government allotted “points” to each person, including infants, in the form of stamps that could be used along with money to purchase rationed items. By the end of 1945, sugar was the only remaining product still rationed. The wartime rationing program ended in June 1947 as products became more readily available.
Many companies, like the Kelvinator Appliance Company, printed materials to help homemakers make the most of what was available within the wartime ration point system. As this image depicts, meat was in short supply and rabbit could be used as a substitute in a variety of recipes. Other suggestions in these publications might offer tips on stretching sugar rations, including substituting corn syrup or honey, and how to make one-crust pies rather than two-crust pies. Publications like those put out by Kelvinator would have been available in Virginia and homemakers across the state could have used them to find solutions to provide for their families.
Citation: A suggested means of saving ration points—using rabbit for the meat dish. From a “Helps for Homemakers” booklet produced by Kelvinator ca. 1943–1945. Jessee Family Papers, Accession 50402, Library of Virginia.
Preview Activity
Take a Look: Look at the image. What stands out to you? What do you think the image represents?
Post Activities
Current Connections: During the coronavirus pandemic many household items such as cleaning products and toilet paper were in short supply. What are some ways people saved resources while providing necessary items for themselves or their families?
Up for Debate: How do you think women of today's generation would feel about a booklet such as this one? Would it be considered helpful? Insulting? Prepare an opening argument in which you state your position and be prepared to share it with the class or in small groups.
Art Exploration: Design a similar handbook page that might be used today if a rationing system were to become needed. Select a food product to be used as the basis for your design.
During World War II, the United States Army established a unit that enabled women to fill non-combat roles. Prior to the creation of this unit women mostly served as nurses supporting combat troops. In May 1941, Rep. Edith Nourse Rogers of Massachusetts introduced a bill to establish a women's corps of the U.S. Army. The bill gained support after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, becoming law on May 15, 1942.
The law established the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC), which provided official status and salary, but few of the benefits afforded to male soldiers. In July 1943, after thousands of women had enlisted, the Army changed the name to the Women's Army Corps (WAC) and granted members full military benefits. Despite initial public resistance, the WAC succeeded in taking over clerical, radio, electrical, and air-traffic control positions. More than 150,000 American women served in the Women's Army Corps during World War II. In 1980, 16,000 women who had joined as WACs were granted veteran's benefits.
Second Lieutenant Alice C. Thompson was one such woman who served in the WAC unit. She is shown in the image with her Women's Army Corps Honor Platoon. The platoon received Good Conduct Ribbons during WAC Day on February 19, 1944 in Newport News. The ribbons were awarded to enlisted personnel who had completed at least one year of exemplary behavior while serving in the United States Army.
Citation: United States Army Signal Corps. 2d Lt. Alice C. Thompson, L-201903. Newport News, Va.: U.S. Army Signal Corps, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, 1944. Prints & Photographs, Special Collections, Library of Virginia.
Preview Activity
Scan It: Look at the photo of the WAC soldiers and examine their uniforms, posture, and facial expressions. What does this image reveal about the women and their roles during World War II?
Post Activities
Up for Debate: The WAC is not always mentioned in textbook accounts of America during World War II. Do you think that textbook publishers should make a more concerted effort to portray women in the military? Write a short opening statement in which you express your views. Be prepared to share with the class or in small groups.
Form an Opinion: Write a letter home to your parents or a friend as if you were a member of the original WAAC who was not receiving the full benefits granted to your male counterparts. In your letter include why you are entitled to equal benefits, what you would like to be seen done to remedy the situation, and how your family might support your efforts to get benefits.
During World War II the American government asked civilians to participate in the war effort in a variety of ways. A common means for the government to communicate with civilians was through posters hung in public places. The posters were often inspirational, informative, instructive, and were a major part of generating support for the war.
In this poster, the image and words of Robert E. Lee are used to encourage Virginians to join the Lee Navy Volunteers. The poster reads as a challenge from Lee to prove one's willingness to fight for a common cause. The poster represented a shift from placing an emphasis on helping one’s community to serving the broader needs of the country.
In September 1942, 650 recruits to the Lee Navy completed a five-week military training regimen before being assigned to ships in the United States fleet, mostly in support roles. One volunteer was a 46-year old veteran of World War I who joined up to "avenge the death" of his son who was killed when the destroyer USS Sims sank during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942.
Citation: I fought for Virginia – now it's your turn! Join the Lee Navy Volunteers, ca. 1942, Lab# 08-0770-01, WWII Poster Collection, Visual Studies Collection, Library of Virginia