Posts Tagged: World War II

US Navy sailors honoring fellow sailors killed during the Pearl Harbor attack, Naval Air Station Kaneohe, Oahu, 30 May 1942 (US National Archives: 80-G-K-13328)

On This Memorial Day

Monday, May 30, 2022 by Sarah Sundin

On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country. We live in freedom because they fought tyranny. We live without fear because they faced danger. We live in comfort because they gave up all comforts. We live because of their sacrifices. Let’s never take these gifts for granted. They were purchased at high cost. Over 1 million Americans have given their lives in war (Sou... Read Article

Make It Do – Sugar Rationing in World War II

Monday, May 2, 2022 by Sarah Sundin

What could be more American than Hershey bars, homemade cookies, and birthday cake? During World War II, these items were hard to come by in the United States. Short on Sugar When the Japanese conquered the Philippines in the early months of 1942, the United States lost a major source of sugar imports. Shipments from Hawaii and Central and South America had to be curtailed 50 percent as cargo vessels were diverted fo... Read Article

Make It Do – Metal Shortages in World War II

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 by Sarah Sundin

Imagine going to the store and not finding batteries, thumbtacks, alarm clocks, or paper clips on the shelves. During World War II, metals were needed for military purposes. Ships and planes and jeeps and guns and ration tins and helmets took precedence over civilian products. After the United States entered the war, factories quickly shifted from manufacturing civilian goods to military matériel. Preparation for Wa... Read Article

Make It Do – Clothing in World War II

Tuesday, March 8, 2022 by Sarah Sundin

During World War II, the United States didn’t ration clothing as the United Kingdom and many other nations did, but restrictions were applied, and fashions adapted to use less fabric. Why Clothing? Eleven million men and women served in the US military during the war, and they all needed uniforms. This strained the country’s supply of fabric, particularly wool, and the garment manufacturing system. Since Japan pr... Read Article

Books in World War II

Wednesday, January 12, 2022 by Sarah Sundin

Books in World War II Books and reading played a vital and surprising role in World War II in the United States, involving civilians in the war effort, increasing morale in the military, and spreading democratic values at home and abroad. When the United States entered World War II in 1941, the average American soldier had an eleventh-grade education and didn’t read for pleasure. Hardback books cost $2, which were ... Read Article

Make It Do – Tire Rationing in World War II

Wednesday, January 5, 2022 by Sarah Sundin

During World War II, rationing was a large part of life on the United States Home Front. Tires were the first items to be rationed. Rubber Shortage The Japanese conquered the prime rubber producing nations of Malaya and the Dutch East Indies from January to March of 1942, eliminating 91% of America’s rubber supply. Since cargo ships were needed for military purposes, the ability to import rubber from South Amer... Read Article

Make It Do – Stocking Shortages in World War II

Monday, August 2, 2021 by Sarah Sundin

For American women in World War II, a shortage of stockings was a minor inconvenience, but it did affect daily life. Before the war, no well-dressed woman was seen in public without hose, and silk stockings were a necessary part of every woman’s wardrobe. Nylons Introduced Nylon was invented by DuPont in 1938, and nylon stockings were demonstrated at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. When they came on the market na... Read Article

Pharmacy in World War II: The Pharmacist

Monday, May 3, 2021 by Sarah Sundin

As a former pharmacist, I’ve found the history of pharmacy in World War II fascinating. So fascinating that I’ve written two novels featuring pharmacists. In On Distant Shores, pharmacist John Hutchinson serves in a pharmacy in an Army evacuation hospital in Italy, and in Anchor in the Storm, Lillian Avery works as a pharmacist in a drugstore in Boston during World War II. Much about my profession has changed ove... Read Article

The British Royal Family in World War II

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 by Sarah Sundin

In honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s 95th birthday and in memory of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, I’m highlighting the pivotal role of the British Royal Family in World War II. Their example of service and grit shone as examples in Britain – and throughout the world. During World War II, King George VI sat on the throne of England, with Queen Elizabeth at his side, the woman better known to modern g... Read Article

The American Experience in 1930s Germany

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 by Sarah Sundin

If you or I visited Nazi Germany in the 1930s, we know exactly how we’d react. We’d be appalled by the persecution of the Jews. We’d feel the oppression of living under a police state. We’d see the rising danger of Hitler and his militarism. Or would we? A few years ago, we visited Ellis Island, and I put family names into their computer. I found the records of my grandfather’s trip home... Read Article

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Today in World War II History

Posts Tagged: World War II