History & Culture

 

Learn About the Park, the People, and the History

Discover the fascinating stories of the American WWII Home Front, where ordinary people did extraordinary things to support the war effort. From workers in the defense industry to those on the home front, learn about the daily lives, social changes, and cultural shifts that shaped this pivotal period in American history. Explore the places that played a significant role in this era, including those associated with Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front NHP. Our museum and archives collection hold a treasure trove of artifacts and records. Learn how to research these collections and even donate your own artifacts and archives to help us preserve this important piece of history.

 

Aerial view of Richmond, California.

(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Digital Visual Library)

The World War II Home Front History

On the morning of December 7, 1941, military forces of the Empire of Japan attacked the United States Naval Fleet and ground bases at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The next day, the United States declared war against Japan. On December 11, 1941, Japan's ally, Germany, declared war on the United States. During WWII, ten million Americans, mostly young men, served in the military out of a total U.S. population of 113 million. While many served overseas, the country drastically increased its war production on the Home Front, serving both the U.S. armed forces and its allies, a role President Franklin Roosevelt called "The Arsenal of Democracy." This led to unprecedented social changes on the American Home Front.

Women and Minorities in the Workforce

During World War II, six million women entered the workforce. "Rosie the Riveter" and her "We Can Do It" motto became symbols of all women Home Front workers. A shortage of white male workers led the U.S. Government to actively recruit for war industry jobs. Initially, white middle-class women were recruited, followed by minority men, and finally minority women. Integration of women and minorities into the workforce was initially met with resistance. However, the new opportunities for these groups "cracked open" the door to equal rights, significantly impacting the Civil Rights Movement and Women's Movement in the following decades.

Migration and Cultural Changes

World War II resulted in the largest internal migration in U.S. history. Individuals and families relocated to industrial centers for well-paying war jobs and out of patriotic duty. Many industrial centers became "boom towns," growing rapidly. For example, the City of Richmond, California, grew from under 24,000 to over 100,000 during the war. Workers from across the nation had to overcome differences and form a cohesive identity to meet war demands. Many migrants stayed in their new homes after the war, forever changing the cultural landscape of the United States.

Challenges and Improvements on the Home Front

Home Front workers faced many challenges that led to significant changes. Working conditions were difficult and dangerous. Between Pearl Harbor and the D-Day Invasion of Europe, there were more Home Front industrial casualties than military casualties. This high number of casualties led to improved workplace safety regulations and better access to affordable health care. Working women faced the challenge of childcare, leading to the establishment of child development centers and the professional field of early childhood development.

Total War Effort

Everyone was expected to participate in the war effort. Rationing was a way of life, with twenty commodities rationed. People were encouraged to "Use it up – Wear it out – Make it do – or Do without." Materials vital to the war effort were collected and recycled, often by youth groups. Many Americans supported the war effort by purchasing war bonds. Women replaced men in sports leagues, orchestras, and community institutions. Americans grew 60% of their produce in "Victory Gardens." The war effort on the U.S. Home Front was comprehensive.

Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park

Established in 2000 in Richmond, California, the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park tells this national story. The Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond produced 747 ships during World War II, making them the most productive shipyards in history. Richmond had a total of 55 war industries and a large number of intact historical buildings from the period. The Richmond Museum Association, a cooperative partner of the park, operates the SS Red Oak Victory, the last remaining Victory Ship built in the Richmond Shipyards.