Woman's Land Army of America

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Herbert Paus Women's Land Army poster

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Newspaper layout on Women's Land Army of America, 1919

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Helen Gilman Noyes Brown (The Biographical Cyclopaedia of American Women, 1925)

Woman's Land Army of America (WLAA), also known as the Woman's Land Army (WLA), was a civilian organization created during World War I and reformed during World War II to address agricultural labor shortages in the United States. It recruited women to work on farms, replacing men who had gone to fight in the wars. The WLAA played a crucial role in maintaining the nation's food production during these periods of conflict.

History

The Woman's Land Army of America was first established in 1917, during World War I, as a response to the labor shortage caused by the vast number of men who had enlisted in the military. It was inspired by similar organizations in the United Kingdom, such as the Women's Land Army. The American version was disbanded after the war but was reestablished in 1943 during World War II, once again due to a labor shortage in the agricultural sector.

World War I

During its first incarnation, the WLAA recruited thousands of women, referred to as "farmerettes," to work in agriculture. These women came from various backgrounds, including college students, teachers, and housewives, who took on the challenge of running farms and producing crops to support the war effort. They were trained in various aspects of farm work, from planting and harvesting to managing poultry and dairy operations.

World War II

The reformation of the WLAA in World War II saw an even greater mobilization of women into the agricultural workforce. With many American men serving overseas, the demand for domestic food production increased significantly. The WLAA operated across the country, with women participating in all aspects of farming and agricultural work. They were instrumental in ensuring that the United States could both feed its population and support its allies abroad.

Impact

The Woman's Land Army of America made significant contributions to the United States during both World Wars. By stepping into roles traditionally held by men, the women of the WLAA not only kept the nation's agricultural production steady but also challenged societal norms regarding women's capabilities and roles in the workforce. Their efforts helped pave the way for future generations of women to enter and succeed in various professions.

Legacy

The legacy of the Woman's Land Army of America is remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of women's labor in the United States. It demonstrated the critical role women could play in the national economy and contributed to the changing perceptions of women's work both during and after the wars. The WLAA is celebrated for its contributions to the war effort and for advancing the cause of women's rights and equality in the workplace.