World War II and Women in the Workforce

In the early 20th century, women's place was in the home. However, World War II meant men went off to war, so women needed to fill their shoes back home. Millions of women entered the American workforce, many in positions previously considered to be exlusively male. After the war ended, most wished to keep their jobs. However, employers stopped hiring women once the men returned. Some women were able to find jobs in fields considered to be "women's work," such as teaching, nursing, and clerical work.