How Did Ww2 Affect Women

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The so-called war to end all wars, the first World War, did not solve any of the problems which it had caused. So, many years later another war took place. The Second World War was the largest and most violent armed conflict, that occurred between 1939 and 1945, between the Axis powers and the Allies. Even though the war was mainly fought by men of different countries it affected many separate minority groups. World War II positively affected women by giving them new opportunities both in the workforce on the homefront and in participating in the war. It somewhat negatively affected African Americans as their migration to the Midwest provided them with new job opportunities, yet resulted in racial tensions rising majorly. With men fighting in World War II, women made employment gains on the homefront. With the draft, many male Americans were enlisted in the military and couldn’t work, making many worry …show more content…

Army Chief of Staff General George Marshall was the man behind the establishment of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC). The bill which established the WAAC was passed on May 15, 1942, despite opposition from several members of Congress who called the bill silly and laughable. The bill allowed for women called WAACs to serve in noncombat positions in the military, including ambulance drivers, radio operators, pilots, electricians, and nurses. The women received a salary, but had very few of the same benefits male soldiers received with their positions. However, this was changed in July 1943 when the U.S. Army dropped the “auxiliary” status, granting the thousands of enlisted women, then called WACs, the same benefits as their male counterparts. Approximately 350,000 women served in auxiliary branches during World War II. Additionally, 800 Native American women enlisted. Even though it took many more years before women were allowed to fight, World War II let women prove themselves to