Everyday life

The realities of life changed greatly for many people. There were shortages, rationing, constant fund-raising appeals. With one million men and women in the services, most families were disrupted. The war probably changed many Australians' sense of the geography of the place, as many were stationed overseas or in parts of Australia they may never have seen before this time.

Ordinary Australians donating aluminium kitchen utensils for use in aircraft manufacture (Adelaide News)

One of the great demographic changes was the increase in marriage rates, and the lowering of the average age on marriage of both men and women.