American Homefront

Aiding in the War Effort Congress passed Neutrality Acts which made it illegal to sell or lend money to nations at war – trying to remain isolated Cash and Carry – Britain can pay cash and pick up supplies at American ports Lend Lease – allowed US to lend or lease arms to any country considered vital to defense of US – returned or pay rent for supplies Hemispheric Defense Zone – declared Western half of Atlantic was Western Hemisphere and thus neutral US Navy would patrol and reveal location of German subs to Britain Atlantic Charter – Signed by US and Britain – committed both nations to a postwar world of democracy, non-aggression, free trade, and freedom of the seas

American Mobilization War production turned the tide in favor of the Allies Auto industry began producing military equipment Liberty ships – quickly built cargo ships that sacrificed quality for quantity Ship could be built in 41 days Selective Service and Training Act – needed to build up troops so initiated a draft before we were actually at war

Segregated Army Double V Campaign Tuskegee Airmen Japanese Americans Urged African Americans to support the war to achieve a double victory over racism abroad and racism at home Tuskegee Airmen Pilots trained in Tuskegee, Al who helped with the Battle at Anzio Also protected American bombers as they flew to targets Japanese Americans ½ had been in internment camps 442nd Infantry became most decorated in history of US military African Americans served in war but were in segregated units Not one received a Medal Honor until 50 years later Truman fully integrated the military in 1948

Women and Minorities Women were pilots and nurses during war Women went to work in factories – Rosie the Riveter Paid significantly less than men Executive Order 8802 – Roosevelt outlawed discrimination in the employment of workers in defense industry Bracero Program – arranged for Mexican farm workers to help with the harvest in the Southwest Migrant workers became important part of Southwest’s agricultural system

Zoot Suit Riots Zoot suit – baggy, pleated pants and overstuffed knee-length jacket and wide brimmed hat – many juveniles wore them Considered Unpatriotic and extravagant Soldiers had heard a rumor that zoot-suitors had attacked Sailors US soldiers and sailors attacked Mexican American neighborhoods in LA Police did not intervene One example of the racial tension at home

Paying for the War 1) Increased taxes 2) War Bonds – citizens by bond to lend money to war – they would get money back plus interest at a future date E bonds – buy for $18.75 and after 10 years you could redeem for $25

Rationing Meats, sugars, and gasoline were rationed Blue Points – ration book that controlled processed foods Red Points – ration book that controlled meats, fats, and oils Victory Gardens – plant own garden in backyard, school, park, etc.

WWII Ends V E Day – May 8, 1945 V J Day – August 15, 1945 United Nations was created to prevent another war UN would consist of a General Assembly – each country would get a vote on how to handle issue Responsible for maintaining peace and security Investigate international problems and propose settlements 5 Permanent members would have veto power: Great Britain France USA USSR (Soviet Union) China

Nuremburg Trials International Military Tribunal created to hold trials for war crimes 22 leaders of Nazi Germany were prosecuted at Nuremburg Trials 3 acquitted 7 prison sentences 12 sentenced to death Trials also held in Tokyo, Japan 18 sentenced to prison 7 sentenced to death Side note: Erwin Rommel was forced to commit suicide after he was named in a conspiracy to get rid of Hitler…Valkyrie