V-Mail

During World War II, post offices were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of mail being sent to and from soldiers. The bulk of these letters was competing for valuable space needed to transport critical military supplies. This program teaches students how American creativity led to the invention of V-Mail (Victory Mail), a system that reduced the size of letters by transferring them to microfilm and then printing them back into readable format upon arrival. Students will learn how this innovation not only saved space but also ensured that soldiers could stay connected with their families despite the logistical challenges of wartime communication.