Lesson 32

Effects of World War II on the US

Growth of Federal Power The US government grew even more during

World War II than it had during the depression. Government regulation of the economy

War production Rationing

Government Spending 1939 - $8.9 billon 1945 - $95.2 billion

The US would spend $341 billion on the war Taxes paid only 30% of the cost Deficit spending War bonds – $185 billion

The Homefront

War Production Board auto industry

Jobs Women “Rosie the Riveter”

National War Labor Board – 1942 Fair Employment Practices Committee

African-Americans Hispanics – bracero program

Suspension of Civil Liberties

Japanese Interment Camps 120,000 people 70,000 US citizens 30,000 served in the military

Selective Service Act of 1940 Banned racial discrimination in recruitment and

training. Military units were still segregated. 1 million blacks served overseas

“Red Ball Express”

Transition to Peacetime

GI Bill of Rights – 1944 Low-interest loans Education tuition assistance

50% of Veterans

Post-war Booms

Housing Levittowns

suburbs

Baby Boom 1946-1964 30 million Americans born