Women in World War II

World War II (1939–1945) provided expanded opportunities for women. By the start of the war, the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guaranteed women's suffrage, had been in effect for almost 20 years. Women rallied to the cause, serving as army clerks, nurses, and service pilots, as well as in a variety of other noncombatant roles. They also served as spies, worked the land, and made munitions in the defense industry.

Despite it being an empowering time for women, the World War II era also brought attention to how much more difficult it was for women of color to find opportunities to serve and be recognized for their contributions. Many areas of the country were still segregated at the...