6.6 Million Women Enter the U.S. Labor Force
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History: North American Series
- Categories: Women’s Issues, Social Issues, Reform, and Protest, Military History, Economics
- Subcategories: Wars, Battles, World War II, Business, Labor, Unions, Work, Employment
- Curriculum: American History 1901-1950, Women’s History
- Geographical Location: United States
- Date: 1941-1945
Article abstract: Wartime depletion of the male labor force opens nontraditional employment and new social roles to women.
Summary of Event
With the advent of U.S. participation in World War II, employment opportunities for women increased dramatically, in both scope and number. As early as the summer of 1940, the U.S. government began to strengthen military and defense capabilities in preparation for war. Industry responded to this increased demand for war materials and, practically overnight, the rampant unemployment of the Depression years turned into...
[The entire page is 1500 words long]