Some countries combated food shortages by encouraging people to grow gardens. These were often referred to as “victory gardens.”
Civilians were encouraged to write letters to their friends and family serving in the war about normal life at home. This helped servicemen and women feel connected and aided in morale.
One of the most popular songs in 1939, the year WWII officially began, was “Moonlight Serenade” by Glenn Miller.
The most produced aircraft in WWII was called the Ilyushin Il-2. The Soviet Union manufactured about 36,000 Ilyushin Il-2 during the war.
Dancing was a way to keep spirits high and relieve stress for young people and recruits. The most popular dance was called the Jitterbug.
Germany tried to construct a large cannon called the V-3 that would launch projectiles across the sea from Germany into Britain. The project was eventually scrapped.
The Yamato and the Musashi ships of the Imperial Japanese Navy were amongst the largest battleships ever built.
Switzerland, Sweden, and Spain chose to remain neutral, meaning they did not join either side in the war.
The first woman to become a U.S. Marine was Private Lucille McClarren in 1943.