Rosie the Riveter

Definition

Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon of World War II, representing the women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies.

Analogy

Think of Rosie the Riveter as a symbol like your school mascot. Just as your mascot represents your school spirit and unity, Rosie represented the strength, determination, and importance of women's contributions to the war effort.

Related terms

War Production Board: This was an agency established during WWII to coordinate the production of military supplies. It's where "Rosie" would have been working.

Women's Army Corps (WAC): This was a branch of the U.S. Army created for women to serve in non-combat roles during WWII. Like "Rosie," these women were crucial to winning the war.

Propaganda: Information used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. The image of "Rosie" was propaganda designed to encourage more women to work in factories during WWII.