US History World War II Notes Part 5

Preparation • Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States had begun

Mobilizing the Armed Forces September 1940—Congress authorized the first peacetime draft in the nation’s

Diversity in the Armed Forces 300, 000 Mexican-Americans 25, 000 Native Americans • code

Diversity in the Armed Forces 300, 000 women served—used in all areas except combat

Shifting to Wartime Production During World War II, the American economy converted to producing

Shift to Wartime Production Automobile industry converts factories to produce bombers Henry Ford builds

Shift to Wartime Production Government established a cost-plus system—paid all production costs plus a

On the Homefront… Many spent $ on books, going to the movies and baseball

On the Homefront… Women played professional baseball in the All-American Girl’s Baseball League Even

On the Homefront… Citizens gathered materials from home to support the war effort— scrap

On the Homefront… During World War II, American women of all ages went to

Women on the Homefront Women moved from industries that focused on clothing and textiles

Struggle for Justice at Home Although prejudice still existed, war brought greater opportunities for

Discrimination & War Efforts “Ironic fighting fascism overseas, yet discrimination and racism at home.

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US History World War II Notes Part 5 Mrs. Deming

Preparation • Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States had begun to prepare for the war • President Roosevelt stated that the Axis nations posed a direct threat to the security of the US • Outcome of the war depended on the ability of the US to produce planes, tanks, guns, uniforms and other war materials for the Allies.

Mobilizing the Armed Forces September 1940—Congress authorized the first peacetime draft in the nation’s history Selective Training and Service Act required all males aged 21 to 36 to register for military service GI’s—”government issue”; more than 16 million Americans served as soldiers, sailors and aviators in the war

Diversity in the Armed Forces 300, 000 Mexican-Americans 25, 000 Native Americans • code talkers = Navajos who used their own language to transmit key plans for the Allies One million African Americans—supporting roles • Tuskegee Airmen—first African American flying unit in American history

Diversity in the Armed Forces 300, 000 women served—used in all areas except combat (typists, control tower operators, mechanics, etc. ) WAC = Women Army Corps

Shifting to Wartime Production During World War II, the American economy converted to producing materials for the war. WWII end the Great Depression. War was paid for by raising taxes and by government borrowing.

Shift to Wartime Production Automobile industry converts factories to produce bombers Henry Ford builds huge Willow Run bomber plant in Ann Arbor, Michigan—employed over 42, 000 people

Shift to Wartime Production Government established a cost-plus system—paid all production costs plus a percentage on anything made for the war Union membership rose once the US entered the war Federal spending increased from $9. 4 billion to $95. 2 billion

On the Homefront… Many spent $ on books, going to the movies and baseball games to keep their minds off the war. Approximately 85 million Americans went to the movies each week—love stories, adventure tales, patriotic themes, etc.

On the Homefront… Women played professional baseball in the All-American Girl’s Baseball League Even though Americans had enough $ to spend, they had to live with shortages and disruptions—metal, fabric, sugar, meat, coffee Rationing was implemented—distributing goods in fixed amounts by using coupons

On the Homefront… Citizens gathered materials from home to support the war effort— scrap metal, garden hoses, pots & pans Citizens bought savings bonds to help finance the war “Play your part. ” “Conserve and collect. ” “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without. ”

On the Homefront… During World War II, American women of all ages went to work. Women were successful in their jobs despite the hardships and discrimination they faced. At the end of the war, women were strongly encouraged to leave their jobs, whether they wanted to or not.

Women on the Homefront Women moved from industries that focused on clothing and textiles to manufacturing of airplanes and defense. Women faced many problems in the workforce— restrictions, hostility, daycare, less pay, less seniority.

Struggle for Justice at Home Although prejudice still existed, war brought greater opportunities for a number of groups in America—African Americans and women in particular. Jim Crow System = separation of races, still existed in the South

Discrimination & War Efforts “Ironic fighting fascism overseas, yet discrimination and racism at home. ” African American GI’s were often refused service in many restaurants.