GI Joe, the brave white American soldier, was firmly the symbol of American freedom and patriotism during World War II. Meanwhile, women were encouraged to become nurses, mothers, and some were carried around as signs of “equality” like Rosie the Riveter and “Marinettes.” Now, World War II has been pointed to as a turning point for women's rights. However, few Americans recognized women's achievements, and most even discouraged them. Because the many contributions of women during World War II went unnoticed, Americans today also need to learn the sacrifices many women made while being treated less than a man. Only from these mistakes can the United States learn to recognize the women who serve this country every day. Before World War II, women knew their place. Carol Harris of BBC News says: “In the 1930s social roles were clearly defined. Woman's place was in the home, man's place was at work. With the beginning of the war everything changed” (8). Although there were women in the workplace before World War II, their options were limited. With the absence of a large percentage of young people, these options have opened up significantly. Despite the expansion of opportunities for women, women were still seen as disobedient to social norms by working in factories or joining the military. Even these limited options that provided opportunities for women were not available for the right reasons. The State Library of Victoria adds that “Only the growing need for labor and the decreasing supply of labor forced this revolutionary adjustment” (10). As long as the workforce desperately needed women, they received few opportunities and unequal pay. Even after many factories were forced to hire women workers, they did so reluctantly...... half of the paper ......r: Women working during World War II." National Park Service exhibit. National Park Service, nd Web. 14 May 2014. “Roles for Women in World War II.” State Library of Victoria, nd Web. 8 May 2014. Stamberg, Susan. “Female Pilots of World War II: The Original Flying Girls.” . 2 Web. Stremlow, Mary V. "Marine Corps Women's Reserve." Women in Military Service for America Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation, May 14, 2014. Harris, Carol in World War II." BBCHistory. BBC UK, nd Web. 14 May 2014.Gumbrecht, Jamie. “Rediscovering World War II Female 'Computers'” CNN Tech. Cable News Network, nd Web. May 14, 2014."Women of Steel." LIFE. LIFE Magazine, nd Web. May 14, 2014. "Partners in Winning the War." NWHM. National Museum of Women's History, 2007. Web. May 14 2014.