Civilian War Services

Soldiers face with words, "Have you really tried to save gas by getting into a car club?" 3 children play outside. A woman holds jars of canned food. Mickey Mouse holds up his green thumb. — Clockwise from top left: A poster calls on citizens to carpool to save fuel for the war front; A swastika casts a shadow over American children; A poster encourages home canning; Mickey Mouse wanted people to plant Victory Gardens.

Americans shared a bond of sacrifice during World War II. Millions joined the armed forces to fight the enemy abroad while tens of millions stayed home and found other ways to help the cause. This section explores the ways people on the home front worked to support the war effort.

Holding the Line on Inflation: Price Controls Fight the Rise

Rationing: A Necessary But Hated Sacrifice

Making Do With Less: Shortages and Conservation

A Place of Their Own: Civilian Housing and Rent Control

Salvaging Victory: Scrap Drives for the War Effort

Cultivating for the Cause: Victory Gardens Till New Ground

Farm Labor Programs Work to Bring In the Crops

Food is a Weapon: Nutrition Programs Fight for Victory

With Mother at the Factory...Oregon's Child Care Challenges

The Trials of Travel: Transportation at the Bursting Point

Better Buy Your War Bonds: Savings Drives Fund the War

Sending Them Off to War: Pre-Induction Information Programs

Block Leaders: The Fabric of Civilian War Services

Childhood Memories: A Smaller View of World War II

Next: Holding the Line on Inflation: Price Controls Fight the Rise >