The Second World War was the most devastating war in human history. The war left at least seventy million people dead and millions more wounded or maimed, it turned vast portions of the highly populated industrialized world into a veritable wasteland of human and environmental destruction, and it changed the nature of human conflict by introducing new military tactics and horrifying new weapons with potentially devastating consequences for all of humanity. As a result of World Wars I and II, the first half of the 20th century was the deadliest fifty-year period in the history of the world!

Caught in the middle of all of this destruction and violence were ordinary people who were trying to make sense of their lives. While many of these ordinary people left their homes and families to serve their country, many more did not. The fact is that the vast majority of people did not fight on the battlefields of Europe or Asia, rather most Americans remained on the homefront and tried to live normal lives. For those who stayed home, the war had an enormous effect on their daily lives; from the uncertainty about the fate of loved ones overseas, to the fear of impending attack, to the governmental rationing of daily necessities, very few Americans escaped the specter of the war. This discussion board will focus on those who stayed on the homefront during the war.

After examining the primary sources provided below, reading the textbook, and watching some of the documentaries, tell the class what you believe to be the greatest impact on the lives of average Americans throughout World War II and why you believe that to be the case.