--- title: "How military spouses were targeted by propaganda during World War II" description: "It wasn't just the Axis trying to reach U.S. military spouses with propaganda during World War II. The Allies did it with different messaging." date: "2025-11-16" modified: "2025-11-16" authors: - name: "Bethaney Phillips" job_title: "Contributor, Veteran Spouse" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/bethaneyphillips/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-milspouse/how-military-spouses-were-targeted-by-propaganda-during-world-war-ii/" categories: - "History" - "War History" - "World War II" tags: - "Military History" - "Milspouse" - "World War II" --- # How military spouses were targeted by propaganda during World War II ![propaganda world war II jobs owoi]() *(National Archives)* Propaganda was a key part in placing the narrative of World War II on both sides of the table. Allied and Axis powers relied on movies, radio, posters, and more to mold public opinion on their respective sides. Consider it the precursor to influencers, only in this case, they wanted the general pubic to support the war. And more specifically, they wanted them to support it in specific ways, such as through food rations and by joining the blue-collar workforce. Take a look at how Uncle Sam used propaganda to help their cause. ### Posters Famous posters with slogans like “We Can Do It!” (cue Rosie the Riveter) and “Loose Lips Sink Ships” came standard. The latter was shown with a literal sinking ship, reminding military spouses that telling secrets can have detrimental effects. Others, like “Get a War Job” and “Victory Waits on Your Fingers,” promote the idea of women working throughout the war. It also reminded them that sitting and waiting did no good. Meanwhile, public health posters were altered to align with the war narrative. For instance, anti-STD posters (then called VD) reminded women that being sexually promiscuous was [anti-patriotic](). ![An anti-venereal disease poster from World War II. (National Archives)]() *An anti-venereal disease poster from World War II. (National Archives)* ### Radio Meanwhile, the Axis powers entered the game by reaching out to Allied soldiers and their spouses. Axis radio shows perpetuated the idea that women would be unfaithful through [Axis Sally](). They also played on fears like discussing long-term injuries and inflating the severity, and POWs to increase the level of fear from those on the home front. ### Cooking Rations had become a forced practice over time, but even before [ration stamps](), there was the idea of cutting back on items needed by soldiers. After all, using them at home meant taking items – even food – out of soldiers’ hands. This meant adapting recipes to use different ingredients … and being happy about it because it helped the war effort. Shopping in general also took a turn during World War II, as women were encouraged to wear out their clothes before buying new ones. They were also encouraged to do without. It was popular to get creative and make due rather than stock up on supplies. In fact, the latter would be seen as stealing from the war effort when you could simply find a more conservative solution. ![propaganda world war II food they need it]() *"They need food!" (National Archives)* This is the second major war in which military spouses were at home rather than traveling to the warfront. That means they understood the mission of staying home and continuing to maintain the household, take care of the kids, etc. However, this war was more devastating and gave spouses a sense of purpose. Looking back today, the propaganda was helpful in multiple ways: by supporting military spouses and promoting a culture that helped the war, like saving food and materials. Because military spouses were the ones running the households and making all of the decisions—like what to buy, what to cook, and where to work. Even if these changes didn’t hold for the long haul, they helped the public get through the war. ### Don’t Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty #### • [‘The Few. The Proud:’ The Moments that made the Marines the Marines]() #### • [Harriet Tubman was America’s first unconventional warfare commander ]() #### • [The first head of the VA was so corrupt, President Harding tried to kill him]() ## Author Bethaney Phillips has contributed to We Are the Mighty and MilSpouseFest since 2015, covering history and military family topics. She also served as the Interim Content and Digital Manager at MilSpouseFest in 2021. Now a veteran spouse, she spent six years in an active duty family and served as an SFRG leader. With a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing, she has more than 15 years of experience in digital and print writing, focusing on researched pieces and human interest stories. She is also a regular contributor to Business Insider, covering family and parenting topics. Her work has been included on Business Insider, Yahoo, Military.com, and Manhattan Magazine. While continuing to freelance, she works as the founding editor of the Clay County Regional, a print and digital newspaper delivered to more than 5,500 recipients. She also serves as the Digital Director/News Director for Taylor Communications out of north-central Kansas. Bethaney spends her free time chasing her two elementary-aged boys, raising chickens, and reading fiction. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [WWW]()