The term “home front” emerged during the international conflict
Introduction
The term “home front” emerged during the international conflict and especially the First World War. Home Front is recognized as a period when American war no longer depended on the volunteer army but engaged all civilian men between the ages of eighteen to thirty-five years. They had no choice but to leave their homes and be part of national defense. In the meantime, there were hardships involving a shortage of basic needs such as food, gasoline, and clothing, which demanded a total lifestyle change. While the American soldiers’ war in the war front, women and children were left behind to safeguard their homes. They waited anxiously for any war progress report, casualties, and for the return of their loved ones. The experience was not only in America but worldwide. This essay will address the impacts of international conflict concerning wives who were left behind to take care of homes and the family, the “home front.”
Discussion
When all youthful men were engaged in war, it meant family separation. The move by many governments was a significant stressor to the family and marriage union. Families left behind had to device a coping mechanism as they await the return of their loved ones. The impact of international conflict on the home front can be understood by addressing stressors that affected waiting wives. First, the pre-separation period when the public was notified of the loading deployment that would eventually lead to family separation as soldiers move to their area of duty. It was a time filled with tension and anxiety among family members. For instance, wives to naval sailors who left their homes reported being depressive as compared to those whose husbands and sons were not deployed. Deployment anticipations created an atmosphere of anxiety where interaction and supportive communication were necessary.
On the other hand, actual separation affected the home front by far. While the soldiers struggle at the battlefield, their families back home suffered immensely. First, the separation was a significant disruption of routines as well as life patterns. Women had to assume the head of the family role, where they became major decision-makers. Since men were primary breadwinners, families were forced to endure low standards of living. The period was filled with many uncertainties, while it was not possible to plan for the future. There was no assurance of soldiers’ welfare, nor were they compensated adequately to support their families. The reunion marked another face in the home front where families had to undergo integration, which was equally stressful. The reunion brought joy to families of soldiers who returned, but the relief was short-lived. The separation had already caused significant distress in terms of adaptation and modification. Many things had happened during the lengthy war times at home and on the battlefield. After the reunion, the first thing was to review the occurrences, which brought significant strain to families as they reorganized themselves.
Conclusion
Before the war, peoples’ lived normal, assuming gender-appropriate roles. International conflicts brought disruption to cultural settings where men left their homes to become soldiers, and women assumed the role of a family head. Many reorganizations were mandatory since most men were the breadwinners; women had to provide for the family. Many changes had occurred during the separation; the homes soldiers returned to were very different as compared to when they left. Families were forced to reorganize by assuming new responsibilities, where women were mostly affected. Stress associated with wartime contributed to psychological issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which mainly affected soldiers. Other family members were affected by secondary traumatization for being in contact with a traumatized family member. International conflict during the major world wars affected everyone.