The Era of Change

The 1940's were an age of rebuilding and reform. Hostilities rose in which the bloodiest battle in United States history took place. The U.S. tried to stay contained during the early years of World War II, but the bombing of Pearl Harbor caused immediate action to take place. With America fully involved in the war, life on the homefront drastically changed as well. Women took more jobs outside of the home and the war caused a shortage of supplies at home. Rationing of food, gas, and fabric came into effect. Food stamps had to be used to buy items of limited supply. Men and women's fashion took on a riskier and more seductive look. Entertainment, music, and television became an outlet for people and stirred the people of America. People were introduced to things they'd never seen before. Although this decade brought about a lot of challeging events, the American people continued to advance and move forward with life. The 1940's represented a new time in life and a new way in which the world viewed itself. We are still feeling the after effects 70 years later.