Thursday, October 24, 2019

How did World War II Affect Women on Tennessee Essay

World War II saw the coming of commercialization and technology advancement in Tennessee. Aviation companies, dams and power plants were built to suffice the needs of the war. Because of such, it undeniably and consequently helped to increase the economy of the state making it one of the most promising Southern states during that time. Of course, with so much activity, it also affected the culture and history of the place. It contributed a lot to American history but we cannot take for granted the roles of women played during this time. But before the war happened, particularly in 1939, an aviation company called Aviation Corporation constructed an airplane factory adjoining Nashville Airport. Two years later, when war broke out, the factory that originally develop and builds civilian planes immediately extended into making warplanes. By 1943, more than 7,000 people worked at and for the company. Majority of the employees moved to Nashville and never left. But, the rather surprising part of this event is that most of the workers for the plant were composed of women (Kids). At the end of the war, approximately 33% of the Tennessee workforce is composed of women. Because majority of the workforce during that time was composed of women, it particularly affected how they lived their life. With the great impact that the war imposed on women, they became more focused on their work. Moreover, they became highly specialized workers in the field of aircraft making. Because of such, little improvement and development was done on families. Their family lives did not become the focus of their lives, instead, they concentrated o their work. Tennessee then became a state of women workers rather than family women. In short, their jobs and careers became their top priority. If ever there was an attention given to their respective families, it can be inferred that it was little. Consequently, with the rage on military service and employment, most of women that were needed in the air force division of the military were to discharge male pilots for strategic and warfare flight duty (Stewart-Smith). Nonetheless, it did not diminish any eagerness for the female pilots. In lieu of the airplane and warplane industry, one rich girl from Tennessee made a very daring contribution in their history. Her name is Cornelia Fort. She became tired of being rich that is why; she decided to be a pilot and served during the wartime. She died in a mid-air collision in 1943 (Kids). Perhaps, she became very influential for the women of Tennessee during this time. She became an inspiration for a lot of women. Perhaps the greatest contribution of the women of Tennessee during World War II is the fact the majority of its workforce is composed of women that exactly during those times were perceived as a work that is rather stated for men. Somehow, they managed to get out of the perception that women are just wives. They have regarded themselves as a great contributor to the workforce. Works Cited: Kids, Tennessee History for. â€Å"Part Four: The Great Depression and World War Ii. † 2006. Stewart-Smith, Natalie J. â€Å"Perspectives of the Women Pilot. † (1998). November 3, 2007 .

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