Women In The Pacific War Essay

Words: 1091
Pages: 5

The Pacific War, during World War II, had a significant effect on Australia and specifically women, as their roles dramatically assisted in the war effort. In 1941 when the Greek Campaign failed and the number of casualties and the indications that Japan were going to enter into the war increased, Australia’s vulnerability grew. Australia went on a war footing and men were required to be ready for duty. When men received the call for duty, women were required to replace men in the workplace. This was their way of contributing to the war effort of Australia. Women were often recruited into new roles, with little training and had to work in difficult conditions. These hard working women, were the back bone of the war effort. Australia was significantly assisted by the change of roles for women, as they kept Australia running while the men were serving on the front line.
After the failure of the Greek Campaign, the warnings of Japan entering the war increased. Australian factories began changing to producing equipment for war. The Prime Minister at the time, John Curtin declared Australia to be on a war footing in December 1941 and confirmed that,
“The civilian way of life cannot be any less rigorous, can contribute no less than that the fighting men have to follow.” Men, women
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In 1941, when Australia went on a war footing, men were required to leave their jobs and fight for their country. Women were then required to replace the men in the workplace, performing the same jobs in difficult conditions, but receiving much less pay. As a result of women being able to enter the workplace and perform roles that were once denied to them, their independence and freedom increased. Women were the centre of the war, holding everything and everyone together. Women’s alteration of roles impacted substantially on the Australian war effort in the Pacific War during World War