The WACs

World War II taught the U.S. a lot about political and militaristic strategy, such as preparing a strong army and joining forces with other nations to defeat fascist regimes. However, World War II was also monumental in America relative to women's rights, for it was the first time that women ever served as more than nurses during wars. 150,000 American women served in the WAC (Women's Army Corps), which was initially controversial given that men had always gone to the battlefront while women remained at home. However, political and military leaders soon recognized that having women serve in the army provided additional resources that were desperately needed. Though it took years before women were fully integrated into the American army, World War II marked the beginning of a drastic change. For example, during World War I, women helped behind the scenes by rationing their food, making army uniforms, and other "women's work". However, the WACs finally gained military status and women served in close to 400 different military occupation specialties. Propaganda posters such as this were used to encourage women to join the army in the same way that men were encouraged. Thus, the creation of organizations such as the WAC furthered women's quest for equal rights.