Women in World War II Propaganda Storytime 1

Contrasting Roles of Women In WWII Propaganda During World War II, women were used to portray many different themes. Woman represented a territorial ideal. Their images were used to make concrete the ideas of allies and enemies, them and us. Propaganda encouraged women to participate in the war effort, but at the same time depicted women as threats to the war effort. 2

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Factories & Production Propaganda was used to encourage women to work in war factories and take the place of the men who were away in battle. The women were told that everyone had a role in the era of total war. Women took traditional male jobs in non-combat work, to free more men for combat. 4

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Small Sacrifices Throughout the war, women were asked to contribute to the war effort by making sacrifices in their daily lives to help win the war.This image was used to encourage others to make sacrifices as well. 13

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WAAC The Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) was officially formed in As with all branched of military service, the US Army was forced to deal with the shortage of male personnel. The WAACs were needed to provide a variety of services ranging from clerical positions to highly trained technicians. WAACs were often assigned to overseas duties. They provided a formidable contribution to the war effort and in 1943 "Auxiliary" was dropped from the title (auxiliary means secondary, back-up, or support) and the newly formed WAC (Women's Army Corps) was established with full military status given to its members. 16

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Of course, women on the homefront were still expected to hold down traditionally female jobs as well. 22

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Nurses In the military, women were excluded from combat positions, but that didn't keep some from being in harm's way. Nurses worked in or near combat zones or on ships and some were killed. Some became Red Cross nurses. Others served in military nursing units. About 74,000 women served in the American Army and Navy Nurse Corps in World War II. 24

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Hurting Our Good Women War time propaganda illustrated the idea that the enemy posed a direct threat to "our" women. Posters depicted wholesome women and children with the claws of fascism coming down to grab them or a mother lying dead under the menacing eye of Adolf Hitler. The women in the posters gave form to the ideas of goodness and home. A solider only had to look at a poster to answer the question, "what are we fighting for?" Women were often portrayed as the spoils of war. 28

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VD With venereal disease sidelining many soldiers, women were depicted as threats to men's health. Propaganda warned soldiers to avoid 'easy' girl friends. The US Navy put up posters in Hawaiian brothels reminding the men to visit the "pro station", prophylactic station, after they were done. 34

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Gossips and Spies Women were seen as dangers as well as assets to the war effort. Posters and cartoons expressed the idea that women could not be trusted with secrets. Women were portrayed as irresponsible gossips or as spies that used their sexuality to get information. 37

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Don’t Forget to Write! While characterized as “loose,” both in their lips (i.e. gossip) and sexual activity, women were reminded not to forget to write to their mates overseas. Their letters also helped carry their men to victory. 42

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And We’ll write Back! In return, men were waiting to write back to their loved ones. And if injured in battle, there was a woman to help them send there message home! 44

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Strong Mothers In addition to being called to jobs as factory workers, nurses, and farmers and being portrayed as careless gossips and promiscuous threats, women during WWII were also portrayed as strong mothers – dedicated to their sons and grieving the loss of soldiers. 46

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Could this be the same woman from the other posters?? ? How does this compare to other propagand a images of woman? 49