The Great War and World War II
Wolverhampton's War Effort
The Great War and World War II are amongst the most commonly known wars. The Great War fired from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria causing a declaration of war upon Serbia, and World War II fuelled by Hitler's lust for revenge of Germany's defeat in the Great War by expanding their empire. Death and destruction was eminent on the war front, but what was happening at home was even more so important: the war effort. Women became independent, taking up jobs left behind by their husband's, father's and brother's, including areas such as the 'land army', WAAF and WRENS (pictured left is Wolverhampton's women's volunteer reserve). Not only this, but major industries were commissioned with war work to supply the soliders out at war. These industries ranged from vehicle manufacturers to boot manufacturers; supplies were in great need and were needed fast. But it wasn't only industries in major cities who were commissioned, because Wolverhampton's car manufacturers were amongst them. They had a part to play in the war effort, one which was incredibly important and unfortunately forgotten.