THE HOME FRONT OF PENNSYLVANIA

James Henry Bird enlisted in the state of Pennsylvania, his considered home state. He had not yet had citizen ship when he enlisted. 

Bird enlisted in the county of Lackawanna, more so around the area of Scranton. 

Many Pennsylvanian Americans, or even Americans in general, took it upon themselves to contribute to the war effort such as collecting as many scraps of metal and rubber, and various of materials as they could find. Many Pennsylvanians began to face food shortages though. 

Pennsylvania's Contributions to the War Effort

Pennsylvania was one of the most important contributing states in the American War Effort. It was riddled with factories where most Pennsylvanians would find themselves working during the war; especially women as many of the men were drafted. PA was highly successful in the manufacturing and producing of steel, Portland cement and lubricating oil, as well as gasoline. The state itself worked very hard to supply the US with the proper materials; cement being a cheap alternative, lubricating oil for guns, the overall manufacturing of cars and weapons; the Jeep notably being a prototype for WWII. 

Pennsylvania in WWII

On top of being one of the most productive states during the war, Pennsylvania itself supplied more than 900,000 men and 22,000 women in the armed forces to contribute to the war effort.  Nearly 1.25 million served their state and country in the armed forces. Pennsylvania was also second to New York in the amount of soldiers sent to fight the war. Over 33,000 of them would end up being killed, wounded, imprisoned or missing. Serving their country was one of their highest concerns and honors though. 

Help from Home

Americans took their roles from home rather seriously, doing everything they could to contribute to the war effort. Children and others would scrounge up what scraps of metal and rubber they could find to assist in Industrial facilities. Pennsylvanians often sent what food they had to the soldiers, resulting in many going hungry or lacking food. Many Pennsylvanians decided that beginning their "Victory Gardens" would be beneficial to their families. It was a way to have guaranteed food for them and their families and to assure they wouldn't go hungry while their goods were sent overseas. Half of America's vegetables would come from these Victory Gardens, assuring that both the home front and soldiers would have food for themselves. 

Pennsylvania was highly industrial during the war effort, producing about 31% of America's steel and 20% of worldwide production. The state was also the country's leading supplier of Portland Cement. 

Pennsylvania was a producer of crucial resources needed to win the war, such as coal and steel. Many citizens, including women, worked in these factories that worked hard to supply for the country. 

The factories in Pennsylvania were crucial and worked day and night to contribute to the war effort, PA's factories being some of the most productive factories. Weapons were also commonly made in these factories.