During World War II, women in the U.S. played a crucial role in the war effort, taking on jobs traditionally held by men who had gone off to fight. This included roles in factories, shipyards, and aircraft production, exemplified by the cultural icon "Rosie the Riveter," which symbolized women's contributions to wartime industry. Additionally, women served in the military through organizations like the Women's Army Corps (WAC) and the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), taking on roles in nursing, administration, and support functions. Their contributions challenged gender roles and laid the groundwork for post-war advances in women's rights.