American Women during World War II: An Encyclopedia

by Doris Weatherford

American Women during World War II documents the lives and stories of women who contributed directly to the war effort via official and semi-official military organizations, as well as the millions of women who worked in civilian defense industries, ranging from aircraft maintenance to munitions manufacturing and much more. It also illuminates how the war changed the lives of women in more traditional home front roles. All women had to cope with rationing of basic household goods, and most women volunteered in war-related programs. Other entries discuss institutional change, as the war affected every aspect of life, including as schools, hospitals, and even religion. American Women during World War II provides a handy one-volume collection of information and images suitable for any public or professional library.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Womens, World War II, War, Military History, Historical

538 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Trudy Miner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource book covering the role of women during World War II from women as nurses, in support positions, as pilots, to women in factories manufacturing wartime materials to women on the homefront. Each section is backed up with photographs and annotated with primary sources.

I was primarily interested in the section on the role of women as nurses in uniform as my mother served as part of the Army Nurse Corps during World War II. I know very little of her experiences since she died young and her records were destroyed in the fire in St. Louis in 1972. This book's source material gives me starting points in my search for information. A great resource and interesting reading for anyone interested in the role of women in World War II.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It it so often that we see history though a male perspective, that we often forget that women have a part to play in it too. Sometimes their roles are silent, sometimes they're quite loud and progressive. This book, through its extensive research and captivating storytelling, shows the female narrative throughout World War II. I was so intrigued, I often forgot that I was learning things I had never heard of before. History classes should take note - women have a lot to do with war and we would all be better to know of it.

[Keiler Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting statistics which help perspective on the life of women. It was hard to get through, however, as it was just that (statistics: how many women worked, joined arm forces, lack of benefits) but fascinating because of how this changed attitudes.

[Sam Audia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The turkey on Christmas Day, 1941, went uneaten; the potential diners at Sternberg General Hospital in Manila were far too busy dodging bombs.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredibly interesting and informative account of what life was like for American women during WWII. It seemed to cover all areas of life, including those who served in the quasi-military groups (WAVE's, WAAC's. etc.), nurses, war industries, volunteers, and those who followed their husbands serving in the military while stationed in the States, as my own mother did, taking with her my oldest sister Denise, who was born in 1942. Even the literary sources for this book were interesting, as the author made the conscious choice to use only sources written in the period of the war itself.

This book was definitely not for everyone, but if this is an area of history that interests you, this is probably one of the most comprehensive books ever written on this topic. Other books focus in on one aspect of women's lives, such as nursing or war industries work. This book covers everything, with one chapter devoted to each separate aspect. One of the very interesting things about this book is the discussion taking place in the periodicals of the day about all of the changes that were occurring in the lives of women and whether or not these would be beneficial for society at large.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is so informational, but not the boring information that you cannot wait for it to end. It is actaully very easy for children to thumb through and find information and it gives good facts and history. A little long, but I would prefer this for a informational source.

Resource: I used this book as a reference for my WWII lesson on Women on the Homefront. The children completed a crossword puzzle using some of the words out of this book as well as telling what the women did in the picutures.

[Jacki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in small rooms, working in factories, and fighting for freedom, this books exhibits the extraodinary efforts of American women. Their lives torn apart by a war, and families barely existing on government rations. The courage shines through with genuine appeal for women who admire our former legacy.

[eaglewings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I really enjoy World War II history, and this was a really informative book on the topic strictly pertaining to women. I felt it covered just about every aspect of women's involvement in the war. It was fascinating and I just wanted to keep reading it.

[Daisy Walter]

finished, i guess. i can't find it. i must have lost it when we were on the road. good thing it wasn't a library book!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book about the lives and contributions of American women during WW2.

[Suzanne Mcintosh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dull dull dull. Nuff said.