The Rosie the Riveter Story World War II profoundly changed the role and status of American women. As the U.S. military's need for manpower increased, so did home front industries' need for womanpower. From 1940 to 1944 over 6 million women joined the workforce, filling jobs that had previously been exclusively male. Despite initial concerns, by World War II's end women had proved to be a formidable, invaluable force in the War effort. The "WE CAN DO IT!" poster, created in 1943 by J. Howard Miller, was part of a government campaign to encourage women entering the workforce. 1942's "Rosie the Riveter", a popular home front song became a nickname for women in the war workforce. These "Rosies" included Rose Bonavita, who drove a record 3,345 rivets into a torpedo bomber in 1943. As men returned from the war, women left the factories. But the confidence, competence, and earning power they experienced forever changed America's workplace. Over time, Rosie has become an icon symbolizing women's strength, determination and ability to do any job.
