World War II Factory Women

Even today, 73 years after the creation of the poster that made her famous, most of us can still instantly recognize Rosie the Riveter. The character indeed took root in the American consciousness by evolving beyond its original purpose -- getting women into the factory workforce during World War II -- and soon became a

Reflection Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Head Sticking Out Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Woman With Glasses Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Two Tubes Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Yellow Hat Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Goggles Jack Delano/Library of Congress Blue Uniform Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Large Tubes Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Coffee Break Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Painting Star Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Overhead Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Large Machinery Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Factory Worker Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Metal Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Red Bandana Jack Delano/Library of Congress Electrical Work Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Riveting Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress At Bench Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress At Work Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Baggy Pants Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Bandana Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Curved Metal Tubes Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Flannel Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Green Pail Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Holding Jars Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Navy Plane Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Navy Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress On Back Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Painting Red And Yellow Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Painting White Star Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Pink Outfit Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Spray Paint Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Red Clothing Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Sitting Down Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Smile Button Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Rivets Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Stare Jack Delano/Library of Congress Three Women Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Two Women Working Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Windows Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Women On The Job Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Yellow Rivets Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress Women Smiling Howard R. Hollem/Library of Congress Yellow Tunnel Alfred T. Palmer/Library of Congress

Even today, 73 years after the creation of the poster that made her famous, most of us can still instantly recognize Rosie the Riveter. The character indeed took root in the American consciousness by evolving beyond its original purpose -- getting women into the factory workforce during World War II -- and soon became a feminist touchstone.

But as important a symbol as Rosie has become, how many of us understand the original context from which she arose?

Did you know, for example, that more than 19 million women worked in essential roles contributing to the war effort, especially in the factories once deemed the domain of men? In aircraft factories, for one, women represented the majority of the workforce by the middle of the war.

And in touring those factories, a handful of photographers left us with some stunning images that now allow us to see these real-life Rosie the Riveters in action.

Next, have a look at the women behind the creation of the famous Rosie the Riveter posters. Then, read up on the eight most bad-ass women of World War II.

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