The Amazon Who Made America

Created by psychologist William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman has arguably made greater real-world impact than any other literary character in modern history. Beyond mere fan appeal, she has inspired generations of women around the world to grow beyond their perceived limitations and venture further into the man-ruled world, transforming it as they do.

Since her inception, Wonder Woman has been adopted as an icon by people seeking a voice, especially the feminist and LGBT movements. She was made to combat the patriarchal power structures from which she emerged. Examining her history as a fictional character, cultural artifact, and commercial product provides insight into the intersection of gender and power.

Princess Diana of Paradise Island owes much of her success to the American political landscape at the time of her first appearance. She would probably never have achieved success if not for the conditions that characterized World War II America.

With the bombing of Pearl Harbor, life changed abruptly. Mobilizing the nation for war required women to step beyond their roles as wives and mothers to enter the workforce, taking jobs traditionally held by men.

Homemakers became mechanics, builders, and factory workers. Their leap from the domestic sphere into making their own way in the world paralleled Wonder Woman’s story.

Like the Amazon princess who left Paradise to aid the Allied Powers in their time of need, so did American women leave the familiar comfort and safety of their homes. Wonder Woman provided a perfect role model for girls and women just when they needed her most.

In the United States, Wonder Woman adopted the secret identity of Diana Prince. In the same way American women had to reimagine their identities for the workplace, Princess Diana became an army nurse and a secretary for the War Department. By applying the same mental and physical skills…

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