World War II and the Home Front: Efforts and Effects

The entry of the United States into World War II had a major impact on the lives of its citizens.  Millions of men and women served in the armed forces, and their families and friends both dealt with concern over their safety and sought ways to support the troops.  The civilian population faced shortages, rationing, and other disruptions to their way of life, but never stopped supporting the nation’s war efforts.  This exhibit, drawing on materials from various collections in the Ruth Lilly Special Collections and Archives, looks at some of the effects that World War II had on the home front and at the efforts of civilians of all ages to support both American troops and the overall war effort.