During World War 2, the United States government instituted rationing programs to control the distribution of scarce resources on the home front. Ration books and coupons were used to limit purchases of goods like gasoline, tires, sugar, coffee, meat, and canned foods. Posters encouraged Americans to participate in rationing and conservation efforts. With many men overseas, women joined the workforce in large numbers to take jobs in factories producing war materials. Women and home gardeners also helped the war effort by growing their own food to reduce pressure on commercial food systems.

1. World War II: Efforts at Home

2. Even at home, there was help Rationing: Controlled distribution of certain resources Can only buy a little because the demand is high

3. Ration Books & Coins

4. Automobile Rationing If your car was deemed as “nonessential” you received an A sticker, meaning you were only allowed 4 gallons of gas a week. B stickers meant your car was essential to the war effort and could use 8 gallons a week. Other Labels: C, T, X stickers

5. Gas Rationing / Rubber Conservation

6. Posters Promote Efforts

7. Women on the Homefront: We Can Do It! Women joined the workforce “Rosie the Riveter” Took over men’s jobs because the men were fighting

8. Working Women 1944: 19 Million U.S. women were employed Women were working to build planes, tanks, and ships.

9. Women’s Efforts in the Home Helped efforts by upholding rationing Not just food, but also silks, nylon, rayon, cotton, and wool, which were used to make necessary items for the military.

10. Victory Gardens Gardens grown at home to save produce items at grocery stores for the war effort.

11. Disney & WW2

12. The Pin-Up Girls of WW2 Betty Grable On Planes & In Soldier Lockers