The Impact of World War II on Women

By: Courtney Thompson, Courtney Reale, Megan Swinimer, Stacey Wilson, Karen Castellan.

We CAN Do It!!

(Singularity, 2008)

Agenda A brief history of where the world was during the Second World War

Women’s status and how it shifted during this time

Women’s body image and how it was affected by the War

(NWHM, 2007)

A Brief HistoryWorld War II (1939 – 1945)Men leave for the WarWomen answer the

Government’s call Women join all aspects

of the military: The Army, The Air Force and The Navy

Patriotic campaigns stress the need for women to enter the workforce

(PBS, 2007)

In the Beginning….

Rosie the Riveter Video

(Youtube, 2009: User DurerDrew)

Status and How It ChangedPrior to the war-Typical housewives

Minorities 

During the war – Women “Step up”

~18 million join the workforce

After the war – Return of the housewife

(Parker, 2009)

Women’s Fashion through the 1940s

From drab to fab!

(Sammy Davis Vintage Fashion, 2012)

Pre War and Post War Fashion

The 1940s saw two distinctive styles in women’s fashion. From the beginning of the decade until the “New Look” in 1947

Clothing during this time were of plain and solemn colours. Most outfits were of a solid black, navy, or other dark colours

Pants: A new wardrobe for the working woman

Even during hard times, femininity never left

(Towntalk, 2012)

Trends of the 1940’s

(Glamour Daze, 2009)

(Glamour Daze, 2009)

(Glamour Daze, 2009) (Old Magazine Articles, 2008)

(Pinterest – Angela, 2013)

The “New Look”

In 1947, French Designer Christian Dior introduced his “New Look”, a style that was both shocking and thrilling

Dior's new silhouette was not without some approval

The 1940s caused a new slimmer body image for high fashion women but still called for a curvier frame for average women. 

(Angell, 1999)

Embracing Femininity 1940s women were in full femininity.

Curves, legs, breasts, full make up, glamour hair and pin up style looks were becoming popular

Products such as foundation, make-up, bright red lipstick and liquid silk stockings were emerging beauty opportunities (Glamour Daze, n.d.)

In ConclusionThe War affected everyone, especially women who were given new roles and responsibilities on the home front

Women rose to the challenge at the time, but found themselves forced back into a secondary role when the War ended

Through it all, women proved themselves to be strong and capable

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