Winning the war started on the Home Front. Everyone in America could contribute in some way: collecting scrap metals, planting Victory Gardens, or working in the war industries, where women began taking on jobs traditionally reserved for men - thus freeing a man for the front. Women also began integrating into the Armed Forces, breaking down more and more barriers. Black Americans also began breaking down barriers, but not as easily. Even though all black units like the Tuskeegee Airmen were shattering long held prejudices, other black soldiers were not as fortunate. Black soldiers guarding German prisoners of war on a work detail had to wait outside while their prisoners were fed in a "whites only" restaurant. In 1942, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated to internment centers, while their sons and husbands fought and died for America.
Factories that had produced cars, sewing machines,
or small appliances now retooled to produce planes, tanks and bombs. Everything
was in short supply. Food, gas, even shoes were rationed. Everyone on the
Home Front was affected in some way, but still pulled togther to build what
Roosevelt called the "Arsenal of Democracy". Few probably realized it at
the time, but the effects of serving on the Home Front would continue to
be felt long after the war was over.
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