Date

8-9-2024

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)

Chair

Kenneth Bridges

Keywords

World War II, Latinas, Texas, Second World War

Disciplines

History

Abstract

The contributions of women during World War II were significant to the Allies’ success. Women in the United States took on responsibilities that were typically not within their traditional roles. Latinas also impacted the war efforts, and their contributions have garnered less attention. Specifically focusing on the Mexican American women in Texas, this paper uses oral histories from archives located in Texas colleges, universities, and public libraries to highlight the ways these Tejanas were essential to society during wartime, how it challenged their traditional and cultural identity, and how that change inspired them to organize to fight for their communities after the war was over. The shift in their cultural identity can be recognized by analyzing their traditional values and upbringing and comparing them to their experiences in the workforce, the military, and, in other ways, on the home front during wartime. The war experience challenged Tejanas’ traditional values, and while those experiences changed them, their commitment to their communities also contributed to their conflicting feelings about maintaining their cultural structure. World War II provided a way for Tejanas to break down barriers but also challenged them to maintain their connections to their community. They went through all the changes and tragedies everyone else in the United States was experiencing while also breaking barriers on two fronts: as women and Mexican Americans. Texas has had a complicated relationship with Tejanos, and Mexican Americans have traditionally relegated women to gender-specific roles. The World War II era showed Tejanas that they were essential to the country's success and capable of standing up for themselves.

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