In the 1940s World War II propelled women into a new and wider sphere of activity. As men went overseas to fight, there was a huge increase in the number of women taking on men's jobs.
Between 1940 and 1945, six million women went to work for the first time, mainly in manufacturing and industry jobs. Workers were desperately needed to keep the country going and to support the war effort, and American women were asked to help.
Before long, women were serving in almost every occupation except direct combat. When the war ended and men returned, women were quickly pushed back into the home to cook for the men, care for the children, and carry out the household chores.
(Photos by Robert Yarnall Richie/ Robert Yarnall Richie Photograph Collection)
