We Are a College at War

Main Themes and Topics

"We Are a College at War" delves into the significant role that women and college students at Rockford College played during World War II. The book meticulously illustrates how the experiences of individuals in this educational community contribute to a broader narrative about American women's wartime roles. Central themes include the breaking of gender norms as women entered factories and other traditionally male-dominated workplaces and even ventured to the front lines. The author connects these wartime contributions to the broader evolution of women's rights, highlighting the continuity from the efforts during the war to the rise of feminism in the subsequent decades of the 1960s and 1970s. Therefore, the book serves as a critical examination of how these early feminist surges set the stage for later movements advocating for women's liberation and equality.

Writing Style and Tone

Mary Weaks-Baxter employs a narrative style that interweaves personal anecdotes with historical context. Her tone is scholarly yet engaging, making the reader feel intimately connected to the individuals whose stories she recounts. By using primary sources such as letters, speeches, and newspaper articles, Weaks-Baxter provides an authentic voice that reflects the lived experiences of the women at Rockford College. Her writing is both informative and accessible, ensuring that the historical significance of these narratives is not lost on a contemporary audience. This narrative choice effectively bridges the gap between academic rigor and the personal storytelling that brings history to life.

Brief Summary

"We Are a College at War" focuses on the World War II era, examining the specific impact that this global conflict had on Rockford College, an all-female institution in Illinois. Through an exploration of personal and communal narratives, the book showcases how students and faculty from the college contributed to wartime efforts. These contributions are placed within the wider context of female empowerment and the ongoing struggle for gender equality, painting a vivid picture of how Rockford College's community not only participated in but also challenged and expanded the roles available to women during the war. It also tracks the legacy of these efforts, tracing their influence on the feminist movements that surged in the 1960s and 1970s.