Questions and Answers
Which event led to a shift in the job market during 1941 in the United States?
The outbreak of World War II
During World War II, women were encouraged to take on jobs traditionally considered:
Men's work
What was the primary focus of companies transitioning during World War II?
Producing war materials
Which plant started producing machine gun ammunition by 1942 during World War II?
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How many people were employed at the Des Moines Ordinance Plant by 1942?
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Study Notes
- In 1941, the United States was still recovering from the Great Depression with a high jobless rate, common bankruptcies, and a standard of living 60% lower than before the stock market crash of 1929.
- The outbreak of World War II led to a shift in the job market, with more people needed to produce food and weapons for the war effort, leading to reduced unemployment rates.
- Women were encouraged to take on jobs traditionally considered "men's work" as men were sent away to fight in the war, marking a significant shift in societal norms around women in the workforce.
- Existing companies transitioned from producing consumer goods to war materials, while new plants were constructed specifically for war production.
- The Des Moines Ordinance Plant in Ankeny was under construction before the war and began producing .30 and .50 caliber machine gun ammunition by 1942, employing around 19,000 people, including Jeanne Ersland (formerly Jeanne Gibson).
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