Widespread rationing, a surge in war production that ended the Great Depression, mass migration to industrial hubs, and the mobilization of a sizable military all contributed to the significant transformation of American life during World War II. Women and minorities joined the workforce in previously unheard-of numbers, and the "home front" included civilian initiatives like victory gardens, scrap drives, and buying war bonds.

Women, pensioners, and students joined the workforce in previously unattainable positions because of the drafting of millions of men. Industrial cities grew quickly as a result of factories being retooled to produce supplies and weapons instead of consumer products. There were rations for necessities including meat, sugar, tires, and gasoline, and civilians were urged to "Use it up—Wear it out—Make it do—or Do without." To cultivate their own food and augment limited supplies, particularly produce and vegetables, many Americans planted victory gardens. To control inflation and contribute to the war effort, citizens bought war bonds. In an effort to conserve resources, people took part in rubber and scrap metal drives and adopted more practical fashions.