WORLD WAR II THE HOMEFRONT

WORLD WAR IITHE HOMEFRONT

Congress declared war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Within two weeks the U.S. was at war with the Axis Powers – Germany, Japan and Italy.

This event started World War II

A. The Japanese attack on Pearl HarborB. The German invasion of PolandC. The Soviet agreement with GermanyD. None of the above

This event brought the U.S. into World War II

A. The sinking of the LusitaniaB. The Japanese attack on Pearl HarborC. German submarines in the Gulf of

MexicoD. The Miracle at Dunkirk

The U.S. had been mobilizing for war for a while.

1940- FDR had ordered 50,000 warplanes per year.

Most industries had already converted to war production.

Sept. 1940 – Congress passed the Selective Service and Training Act.

U.S. Army was completely segregated. White recruits and African Americans did not train together.

Barracks, mess halls and bathrooms were separated.

Most African American units were led by white officers. They were given non-combat assignments – construction, supply and support.

“Double V” campaign – urged African Americans to fight for victory over Hitler and victory over racism at home.

1941 – Army Air Force created 1st African American unit.

Pilots trained at Tuskegee, Alabama – became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Double V campaign encouraged African Americans to fight for

A. Victory gardensB. Victory over Hitler and povertyC. Victory over Hitler and racismD. Victory over Germany and Japan

African American units fought bravely and earned many honors.

By 1948 – military was fully integrated.

1942 – Congress allowed women in the military.

They established the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC)

Became Women’s Army Corps (WAC)

Women worked in factories doing jobs that were traditionally men’s jobs.

“Rosie the Riveter” became the symbol for women in manufacturing plants making airplanes, tanks, etc.

Many workers migrated across the U.S. in search of jobs.

Growth in California and southern cities created a region known as the “Sunbelt”.

The “Great Migration”, which had begun during World War I, continued as African Americans moved north looking for jobs in industrial centers.

Led to violence and race riots – some of the worst in Detroit.

Most people migrated in the early 20th century

A. To buy cheap landB. To practice freedom of religionC. To avoid going to the armyD. To find a job

“Zoot Suit” riots occurred in Los Angeles between whites and Mexican Americans.

Anger against Japanese Americans occurred after the Pearl Harbor attack. Most Japanese Americans lived on the west coast.

1942 – FDR gave the order for the War Dept. to declare regions military zones and relocate anyone they chose.

Millions of Japanese Americans were moved to internment camps.

The Supreme Court later ruled that loyal Americans could not be held against their will.

Japanese Americans were released in 1945.

442nd Regimental Combat Team – all Japanese American unit.

Most highly decorated unit in World War II.

During World War II, Japanese Americans were moved to

A. Concentration campsB. Internment campsC. Extermination campsD. All of the above

Office of Price Adm. (OPA) set prices to stabilize the economy.

Rationing limited the supply of meat, sugar, gas, etc.

Victory gardens raised crops for the army.

Scrap metal drives generated needed materials.

U.S. government spent 300 billion dollars to produce goods for the war effort.

Raised taxes to pay for the war.

Issued war bonds.