WWII and the Home front

Economic Impact Outbreak of WWII in Europe and the US joining the war in 1941 pulled the US out of the Great Depression European demand for war goods stimulated the American economy – increased production- more jobs When the US went to war in 1941, thousands of men were removed from the workforce, reducing unemployment

Impact on Business Increased demand brought up prices and production Food prices increased dramatically- 18% increase between 1941 and 42 The Federal Government played a larger role in the wartime economy Limited competition between companies producing war materials Offered incentives to businesses to produce for the war effort (Detroit car industry)

Rationing High demand did create a shortage of some goods/resources, so the nation began trying to conserve things like steel, rubber and glass for war industries. Nearly 300 items were deemed nonessential during this time, and therefore their production was suspended to conserve resources Refrigerators, coat hangers, beer cans, toothpaste tubes, sewing machines, phonographs

Rationing cont. The Office of Price Administration (OPA) established in 1942 used its power to try and distribute food and other scarce items more fairly through a rationing system Ration Books Each month, a family received 2 ration books- one for canned goods, one for meat and dairy Soon gasoline and rubber were rationed as well 3 gallons of gas/week 2 pairs of shoes a year “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without” http://www.nationalww2museum.org/education/for-students/primary-sources/ration-books.html

Women and WWII As 15 million men joined the armed forces, their absence created a labor shortage, which allowed thousands of women the opportunity to work outside the home New jobs previously unavailable to women- Military, industrial and professional Women’s Army Corp, Army Nurses Corp, etc Electricians, welders, riveters First time in US history, married women outnumbered single women in the workforce Rosie the Riveter came to symbolize the working woman http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/rosie-the-riveter

Sports and Entertainment After Pearl Harbor, the MLB commissioner sent a letter to FDR asking if the league should shut down to conserve resources FDR said no, remarking on the importance of morale during hard times The movies were filled with war related material Each film started with a 10 minute newsreel and a cartoon (often Loony Toons!) The feature films were varied (westerns, comedies, etc), but many had distinct war messages (Yellow Peril, V for Victory)

Sports and Entertainment cont. Music reflected wartime experiences Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B Filled with negative images and portrayals of the Germans and Japanese Radio was still the primary source of news and entertainment for most Americans All media elements were touched by American participation in and perspective on WWII http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm1wuKvrxAw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p_SABG3SPk

Election of 1944 The GI Bill was introduced by FDR during the election of 1944 This bill would provide educational support, medical care and housing loans for veterans Overwhelmingly supported by Congress Because of this and the public’s general trust, FDR easily wins his 4th term.