World War II
5-4.7 Summarize the social and political impact of World War II on the American home front and the world, including opportunities for women and African Americans in the work place, the internment of the Japanese Americans, and the changes in national boundaries and governments.
World War II brought Americans together during the hard economic times of the Great Depression. Citizens helped conserve food and other materials. They even planted "victory gardens." Times were tough! At one point, food was rationed to ensure that there was enough to go around. Everyone's hard work paid off and America's economy recovered.
During WWII, women had to take on many new roles. In addition to planting victory gardens and rationing at home, many women took jobs in factories building airplanes, trucks, and ships. It was a challenge, but women worked hard to help their country. Many women enjoyed working and wanted to continue (this was the very beginning of the women's movement of the 1960s.)
During WWII, African Americans wanted to contribute to the war effort. Many African Americans moved to cities to work in industries. They also joined the armed forces; however, they still served in segregated units (like the Tuskegee Airmen.) Even though they worked hard, they were often given less important jobs. African Americans gained respect for their hard work during the war.
Japanese Americans were perhaps the most discriminated against group in America during WWII. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor (an American military base) many Japanese Americans were moved to prison camps because the government thought they may have been disloyal (even though they did nothing wrong!). Though they were treated poorly, many Japanese Americans continued to serve in the United States military.