Although all the shooting action during World War II took place overseas, the home front of the U.S. was far from quiet.
The war affected all citizens, soldiers and civilians alike. Soon after entry into the war, rationing became a regular part of life, alongside price controls for stores and the growing of victory gardens to supplement the food supply. Women also took over factory roles previously reserved for men.
See people supporting the war effort, holding down the home front, and going about their daily lives while the fight for victory took place across an ocean away.
1
A soldier sealing his voting ballot
1944
2
President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivering his fourth Inaugural Address
1945
3
Participants in the Double V campaign, which aimed for victory over fascism abroad and victory over racism at home in the United States
1942
4
A World War II-era shop display promoting price controls
1943
5
Woman standing next to a wide range of tire sizes required by military aircraft
1941
6
Woman aircraft worker checking assemblies in California
1942
7
Riveting team working on the cockpit shell of a C-47 transport at the plant of North American Aviation
1942
8
Women cycling in Central Park in New York City. Many Americans during World War 2 would end up bicycling instead of driving
1942
9
A female factory worker in Fort Worth, Texas
1942
10
A synagogue in New York City remained open 24 hours on D-Day for special services and prayer
June 6, 1944
11
What Can I Do? The Citizen's Handbook for War U.S. Office of Civilian Defense
1942
12
Workers at Consolidated Aircraft, Fort Worth, Texas
1942
13
A welder making boilers for a ship, Combustion Engineering Co. in Chattanooga, Tennessee
1942
14
A welder helping construct the SS George Washington Carver at the Kaiser Shipyards
1943
15
A poster encouraging U.S. citizens to grow Victory gardens
1945
16
"Rosie the Riveter", working on an A-31 "Vengeance" dive bomber
1943
17
Line of people waiting for sugar during rationing
1943
18
Rural school children in front of homefront posters in San Augustine County, Texas
1943
19
WPA US World War II homefront poster
1942
20
People waiting on line at the Rationing Board
1943
