These are some of the visual aids and artifacts that may be useful in teaching a unit on women's roles during World War II.
We Can Do It! poster
This image is a traditional American symbol during the World War II era. It represents the women that took on the traditionally masculine roles of working in factories and other industrial facilities. Most of these women helped to produce war supplies for the troops fighting overseas. This piece, titled We Can Do It! was created by artist J. Howard Miller in 1942. Its purpose was to boost morale of female workers in the production factories during this time. Since then, it has become an icon of feminism and female empowerment. |
Rosie the Riveter magazine cover
Rosie the Riveter is an image that also represents females in the production and factory jobs. This image depicts a woman with a rivet gun in her lap and the name Rosie on her lunch box, hence the name Rosie the Riveter. While not as glamorous, this image was the original Rosie the Riveter and more accurately represents the appearance of women who worked industrial jobs during World War II. Illustrator Norman Rockwell's image appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post on May 29, 1943. The image was later used by the U.S. Treasury Department to use for war bond drives. |
Airwoman photographs These two images can be used to compare and contrast women in the military during World War II to women in the military today. The first image depicts four WASPs, or Women Air Force Service Pilots. These were the first women in history who were trained to fly aircrafts in the military. Even today, most women choose to serve in the Air Force. Only a small percentage of women serve in combat in today. |
Servicewoman photographs These two images can be used to compare and contrast women in the military during World War II to women in the military today. The first image depicts four WACs, or Women's Army Corps. This was a branch of the United States Army especially for women. The second image shows female army members in the military today. |