By Tara Green Saraland Elementary ALABAMA The History

By: Tara Green Saraland Elementary “ALABAMA: The History, Geography, Economics, and Civics of an American State” , Dr. Leah Rawls Atkins and Dr. Harvey H. Jackson, III

Ch: 7 The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWII Listen to the story of “The Grasshopper and the Ant”. Talk to your partner about the lesson taught by the story. What character in the story could be compared to most people in the 1920’s (grasshopper or ant)? Talk to your partner and discuss what they have in common. In this lesson, you will learn about a difficult time in the history of our country.

Ch: 7 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII Introduction Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) ∙ In the 1920’s Americans were enjoying prosperity! Prices were up, the New York stock market was booming, and money was even more available.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII Introduction Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) ∙ ∙ ∙ The good times came to an end in October 1929 when the New York stock market (a market in which stocks and bonds are traded) crashed. People kept buying stocks with borrowed money, and then the value of the stocks dropped to nothing. Many banks failed and people lost the money in their accounts. Factories, mines, and mills shut down leaving people without a job. Because of this loss, many people moved back to the farm or moved in with other family members.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII Introduction Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) ∙ ∙ ∙ The Great Depression was hard on almost everyone! The farm land was in poor condition, farmers couldn’t sell their produce, cotton prices were low. One good thing about being a rural family was that they could at least grow or raise there own food. For entertainment, some families played fiddles or pianos and sang together. Children found ways to play for free such as corn shuck toys, play baseball, horse shoes, marbles, checkers, or fly homemade kites.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII Introduction Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) ∙ ∙ ∙ People living in the cities needed money to buy food. Without a job, men could not buy food for their families. Local churches and relief agencies opened “soup kitchens” to feed people. The number of needy people kept increasing! Even though times were tough, Alabamians had faith that Americans could work their way out of the depression. The Great Depression was the worst and longest lasting economic recession (a period of economic limitation…no money) our country had ever experienced.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII The Presidential Election of 1932 ∙ ∙ Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) The horrible economic conditions became the major issue in the presidential election of 1932. President Herbert Hoover was a hero of WWI and helped feed the starving people in Europe, but he could not solve the problems of the American people. Franklin D. Roosevelt promised the American people a New Deal, and he was overwhelmingly elected president.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII The Presidential Election of 1932 ∙ ∙ Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) Benjamin Meek Miller was governor when Roosevelt was elected. The state of Alabama had an $18 million debt and still needed money. He required the people to pay more taxes, which helped the state to pay off debt and help the needy. Miller also got the Budget Control Act passed which forced the state to only spend money that it makes…no more borrowing money!

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII Roosevelt’s New Deal ∙ ∙ Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) Roosevelt’s New Deal had 3 goals: 1. relief for people who needed food and shelter 2. recovery to lift the country out of the recession and provide jobs 3. reform to create laws to make sure such a recession never happens again New Deal programs helped Alabama: Civilian Conservative Corps (CCC)- put young men to work by constructing 17 state parks Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)- built dams(provided electricity), controlled flooding and improved navigation on the Tennessee River Glass-Steagall Banking Act- protected people’s bank accounts Home Owners’ Refinancing Act-help Alabamians keep their homes Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)- raised farm product prices by limiting production Works Progress Administration (WPA)- built public buildings , constructed buildings, and paved roads. In Alabama, constructed part of the Archives building in Montgomery. Social Security Act- gave old-age pensions for retired workers, paid for by a payroll tax.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII Roosevelt’s New Deal ∙ ∙ ∙ Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) The worst part of the depression hit in 1933, and after that, condition slowly improved. 1935 - Bibb Graves was reelected governor of Alabama. 1937 - Governor Graves appointed his wife, Dixie, to fill a temporary seat in the Senate…. she was the st 1 woman from Alabama to serve as a U. S. senator.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII FLOODS Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) ∙ ∙ ∙ 1929 - A great flood came to Alabama after it rained for several days. Levees (embankments built to control flooding) were built to keep some cities from flooding. Reservoirs were also built behind dams to reduce flooding on Alabama’s rivers. (

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII The Bankhead Tunnel Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) ∙ ∙ An important project of the WPA was a tunnel that went under the Mobile River and connected the city of Mobile to Blakely Island. Construction began in 1939 and the tunnel was opened in 1941. It cost more than 40 million dollars to build.

Ch 8: The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWI Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) Lesson 1 Review Questions - 1. What happened in October 1929 that brought an end to the American prosperity of the 1920’s? - 2. How did families take crae of one another during the depression? - 3. Where could townspeople without food or money eat during the depression? - 4. What is the Budget Control Act? - 5. What were the goals of Roosevelt’s New Deal?

Ch 8: The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWI Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) Lesson 1 Review Answers - 1. The Great Depression happened in October 1929 and brought an end to the American prosperity of the 1920’s. - 2. Families took care of one another during the depression by moving in together and sharing different chores around the house and farm. - 3. Townspeople without food or money during the depression could eat at soup kitchens. - 4. The Budget Control Act forced the state not to spend more money than it makes. - 5. The goals of Roosevelt’s New Deal were relief for people needing food and shelter, recovery to provide jobs, and reform to create new laws that made sure such a great depression never happened again.

Ch 8: The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWI Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) Lesson 1 Activity - On the next few slides, look at the political cartoons made during this time period. T cartoons used creativity and symbolism to mock political events, express opinions, a simply entertain the American people. After each slide, discuss with your group what you think this cartoon is trying to get across to the reader. - 2. Using the following people and events in history, make your own political cartoon comic strip. Use creativity and symbolism to express your opinion. - The Stock Market Crash The Great Depression The Election of 1932 Roosevelt’s New Deal Programs

Ch 8: The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWI Lesson 1 (pages 233 -242) Lesson 1 Activity - These cartoons used creativity and symbolism to mock political events, express opin and to simply entertain the American people. After each slide, discuss with your grou what idea you think this cartoon is trying to get across to the reader.

Ch: 7 The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWII 5 WORD PREDICTION You are about to read 5 words on the next slide. These are words that you will read in the next lesson. Once you read them, use them as clues to write a paragraph predicting what you think happened next in history.

Ch: 7 The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWII 5 WORD PREDICTION 1. Persecuting 2. Sympathies 3. Attack 4. Declare 5. Patriotism

Ch: 7 The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWII If you saw someone doing something to hurt others…what would you do? Would you stop them or just ignore them since they are not directly hurting you? Turn and talk to your partner. What would be the advantages and disadvantages to interfering and putting a stop to the violence? Turn and talk to your partner. In this lesson, you will learn about how the United States tried to remain neutral, but eventually had no choice but to stand up for what was right.

Ch 8: Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII WAR BEGINS IN EUROPE Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) ∙ ∙ ∙ 1930’s- Adolf Hitler led his Nazi party (Fascist party that controlled Germany from 1933 -1945) to power in Germany. He went against agreements that were signed at the end of WWI by building up the German army and producing weapons of war. Soon Hitler began to take over neighboring states and persecuting German citizens who were Jewish. When Hitler invaded Poland, France and Britain joined the war against Nazi Germany. Like before, the U. S. was not at war but their sympathies were with Britain and France and produced military supplies for them. Americans didn’t want to go to war, but in case the country was attacked, the government began to build up the nation’s military strength.

Ch 8: Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII WAR BEGINS IN EUROPE Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) ∙ ∙ ∙ Mobile became a center of shipbuilding, especially of cargo ships for the war effort called “Liberty Ships”. Alabama had many military bases and many more were built as the war was going on in Europe. Alabama had mild winters and flat cotton fields that could be made into airfields and military bases. Maxwell and Gunter Fields (Montgomery) Craig Field (Selma) Camp Rucker (Dale County) Brookley Field (Mobile) Fort Mc. Clellan (Anniston) Red Stone Arsenal (Huntsville) Brookley Field (Mobile) Fort Benning (Georgia- just across state line)

Ch 8: Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII AMERICA and the WAR Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) ∙ ∙ During this same time (in Asia), the Japanese wanted to expand also began to strengthen their army and navy. When Japan invaded Korea and China, President Roosevelt stopped all shipments to Japan and held all their assets ($) in the U. S. December 7, 1941 - From aircraft carriers, Japanese planes attacked American ships at anchor in Pearl Harbor. About 2, 500 American lives were lost. This was the most costly surprise attack in U. S. history against a military target.

Ch 8: Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII AMERICA and the WAR Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) ∙ ∙ The United States declared war on Japan. Germany and Italy declared war on the United States on December 11 th. The U. S. Joined the Allies (Britain, France, and Russia) to fight the Germans and Italians. Britain, and most of the other Allies joined the U. S. to fight the Japanese.

Ch 8: Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII AMERICA and the WAR Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) ∙ ∙ During WWII, children learned geography lesson everyday People learned about event of the war from radio broadcasts. People did not have televisions then, so they went to the movies the see the newsreels that ran between the feature films at theater. Newspapers always illustrated their stories with maps. Some families and classrooms posted a world map one the wall and allowed children to place pins where relatives were stationed. Army and navy censors read the mail soldiers sent home. They cut out classified information so spies would not know what was going on. Sometimes soldiers would communicate with codes to tell their families where they were without letting a spy know. “apples” might mean they were in Asia “eggs” might mean they were in England

Ch 8: Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII AMERICA and the WAR Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) ∙ The Alabama National Guard was built up to full strength. Alabama supported the war by sending men and women into the military. Alabama also provided labor and war materials (explosive and gunpowder plants) ∙ Sugar, meat, coffee, rubber were rationed (controlled or limited goods). Factories making automobiles, stoves, and refrigerators stopped, and began building army jeeps, military trucks, and airplanes instead.

Ch 8: Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII AMERICA and the WAR Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) ∙ Children helped the war efforts by joining in school drives to collect paper, aluminum, and scrap metals. They also bought saving stamps and bonds.

Ch 8: Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII AMERICA and the WAR Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) ∙ Food was needed for soldiers as well as people on the home front. Children were told not waste any food. Families planted gardens and canned fruits and vegetables. Women even went to work in war plants and took jobs left by men became soldiers.

Ch 8: Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII AMERICA and the WAR Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) ∙ The Germans sent subs into the Gulf of Mexico to attack American ships sailing from New Orleans and Mobile to the east coast. All along the beaches, cities and houses were ordered to “black out” at night so that submarines (called U-boats by the Germans) could not spot ships sailing from ports by using the lights from shore.

Ch 8: Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII AMERICA and the WAR Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) ∙ ∙ Even the characters of comic strips went to war. Superman saved the Americans from Germans and Terry (“Terry and the Pirates”) stopped fighting pirates and started fighting the Japanese. Even Little Orphan Annie got involved in the war effort. Songs stressed patriotism. (ex. “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition”) Hollywood began filming movies with war stories, and stars volunteered for the military.

Ch 8: Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII AMERICA and the WAR Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) ∙ ∙ ∙ Men and women at home volunteers their services to the Red Cross or the United Service Organization (USO), which provided recreational programs for soldiers and sailors. Churches and local governments set up centers where military personnel could stop for food and rest while traveling. Women knitted wool socks and scarves for soldiers, folded parachutes, and packed emergency ration cartons.

Ch 8: The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWI Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) Lesson 2 Review Questions - 1. Why was Alabama a favorite place to build military bases? - 2. What caused America to join the war in 1941? - 3. How did Alabama children help the war effort? - 4. What countries were Allies? Who did they fight? - 5. What countries fought Japan? - 6. What did censors do during the war?

Ch 8: The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWI Lesson 2 (pages 243 -250) Lesson 2 Review Answers - 1. Alabama was a favorite place to build military bases because it had mild winters and flat cotton fields that could be made into airfields and more military bases. - 2. The Japanese attacking Pearl Harbor (Hawaii- which is U. S. territory) caused America to join the war in 1941. - 3. To help the war effort, Alabama children joined din school drives to collect paper, aluminum, and scrap metals, purchased saving stamps and bonds, and didn’t waste food. - 4. The Allies were Britain, France, Russia, and the United States , and they fought the Germans and Italians. - 5. Britain and most of the other Allies (U. S. , France, and Russia) fought Japan. - 6. During the war, censors read the mail soldiers sent home and cut out classified information so spies would not know war details.

Ch: 7 The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWII 5 WORD PREDICTION You are about to read the same 5 words on the next slide. You have seen these words in the presentation. Once you read them, use them in a paragraph summarizing the causes, alliances, and effects of World War II.

Ch: 7 The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWII 5 WORD PREDICTION 1. Persecuting 2. Sympathies 3. Attack 4. Declare 5. Patriotism

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII Alabama Heroes of WWII Lesson 3 (pages 251 -257) ∙ ∙ ∙ Marine General Holland Smith (Seale in Russel County) – developed the tactics of landing on beaches. Crommelin Family (Wetumpka) – had 5 sons graduate from the Naval Academy. 2 were killed in plane crashes and the other 3 all served in the Pacific Howard Walter Gilmore (Selma) – won the Medal of Honor when his submarine was attacked and had to make the brave decision to submerge, which saved his men but cost him his life.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII Alabama Heroes of WWII Lesson 3 (pages 251 -257) ∙ ∙ ∙ Staff Sergeant Henry “Red” Erwin (Adamsville and Bessemer) – was on a bombing raid over Tokyo when a phosphorous bomb accidently went off inside the plane. He took the burning explosive in his hands and threw it from the plane while the plane spiraled out of control. He was able to gain control, land the plane safely, but had to have many operations to close the burns and scars all over his body. 1 st Lt. William Lawley Jr. (Montgomery)– won the Medal of Honor for landing a badly damaged B-17 and saving his crew though he was wounded. A bridge outside Wetumpka is named in his honor. Of the 469 men who were awarded the Medal of Honor, 12 had Alabama connections.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII Ships with Alabama Connections Lesson 3 (pages 251 -257) ∙ ∙ ∙ 3 cruisers were named for Alabama cities- the Mobile, the Birmingham, and the Tuscaloosaand one battleship was named the Alabama. The Alabama, a WWII battleship, was christened in 1942. It saw action in the Atlantic and later in the Pacific. It was part of the escort for the U. S. S. Missouri, which steamed into Tokyo Bay to receive the surrender of the Japanese in September 1945. 1964 - schoolchildren of Alabama supported a campaign that brought the battleship back to Mobile. There it lies at anchor and serves as a memorial to the brave Alabamians and Americans who served in WWII.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII African American Alabamians Support the War Lesson 3 (pages 251 -257) ∙ ∙ Many African Americans moved to northern and western cities because there was less discrimination and more opportunities than in the south. They entered the military , where they received technical training and new job experiences. African Americans were very important in keeping the front lines supplied with gasoline, ammunition, food, and water. Many drove the supply trucks and trained as pilots at Tuskegee.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII The Tuskeegee Airmen Lesson 3 (pages 251 -257) ∙ ∙ ∙ By the time WWII was over, the African American flyers (Tuskegee Airmen) of the 99 th Pursuit Squadron and the 332 nd Fighter Group had an impressive record of victories in the skies over Germany. The training began at the Army Air Corps field in Tuskegee where a steady stream of skilled pilots began to graduate. These pilots were important in flying fighter escort for American bombers on raids over Germany. After the war, many of the Tuskegee airmen stayed in service. Benjamin O. Davis became the 1 st African American general in the U. S. Air Force.

Ch: 8 Great Depression, New Deal, and WWII The War Ends Lesson 3 (pages 251 -257) ∙ ∙ ∙ After Germany was defeated in Africa, captured troops were transferred to America. Many came to Alabama to live in newly built prisoner of war (POW) camps. The camp in Aliceville was the 1 st and largest camp in Alabama. These prisoners could not produce weapons, but many worked as farm laborers, especially in Baldwin County. The prisoners were treated well and had a better life than when at war in the desert of North Africa. After the war, they were sent home. Fall of 1944 - the Allies were clearly defeating both the German and Japanese armies and navies. Germany surrendered in May 1945, and after the U. S. dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, the Japanese agreed to an unconditional surrender in august. WWII was over!

Ch 8: The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWI Lesson 3 (pages 251 -257) Lesson 3 Review Questions - 1. Why is General Benjamin O. Davis remembered as a World War II hero? - 2. What 3 WWII ships were named for Alabama cities? - 3. When did WWII end? - 4. Where was the largest POW camp in Alabama?

Ch 8: The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWI Lesson 3 (pages 251 -257) Lesson 3 Review Answers - 1. General Benjamin O. Davis is remembered as a World War II hero because he became thest 1 African American general in the U. S. Air Force. - 2. 3 WWII ships that were named for Alabama cities? - 3. When did WWII end? - 4. Where was the largest POW camp in Alabama?