American Life

After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, food, gas, and clothing were rationed to ensure the military had proper supplies for war. Men who were at least 21-45 were drafted to fight, and die in the war. Women joined the war effort and were temporarily employed in factories to make weaponry and ammunition. Women also found employment as electricians, welders, and riveters in defense plants. A woman who took on these roles was called "Rosie the Riveter" a term that originated from a song about a woman named Rosie that works on a production line making war supplies. At the same time, Japanese Americans were being discrimintaed against and their rights were taken from them because they were thought to be spies or still loyal to their homeland. The radio supplied American citizens with war updates and reports about battles and propanda against the Allied Power's enemies. Entertainment became a scapegoat from the hard realities of war, and the many reponsibilities the U.S citizens had for their country.