Life on the Home Front

Mobilizing for War Victory in warfare depended on a nation’s industrial power. The American economy is like a giant boiler, “once the fire is lit, there is no limit to the power it can generate.” Wanted to deal with Hitler first because he appeared the greater threat over Japan. American war production turned the tide in favor of the allies and its industrial output astounded the rest of the world.

U.S. as the Arsenal of Democracy Needed workers willing to work long hours. Companies converted to wartime production Automobile industry converted to making tanks, jeeps, artillery, rifles, and other military equipment. Due to sinking of American ships by U-boats, Kaiser mass produced Liberty war ships. The ships were cheap, easy to build and in great demand.

Creating an American Military Selective Service and Training Act – first peacetime draft American soldiers were called GIs. U.S. military was segregated. African Americans had separate barracks, mess halls, etc. Many African Americans felt disenfranchised from America. African Americans launched a Double “V” campaign – trying for a victory over both Hitler’s racism and the racism at home. African Americans finally allowed to fight in combat.

Key Minority groups in the War Second-generation Japanese Americans, most of which had been in Internment camps, served in the war. The 442nd Regimental Combat team became the most decorated in the history of the U.S. military. Tuskegee Airmen – first African American Air force pilots unit. https://youtu.be/qMPLpExgkGg Native American Soldiers – 400 Navajos served as “code-talkers” in the war. https://youtu.be/ciFv_ONffdw

Women in World War II 400,000 American women played a major role in the military side of the war effort in non-combat roles. Sixteen American women awarded the purple heart for being injured as a result of enemy action. More than 400 American military women lost their lives. Women pilots allowed to assist in the war effort (Women Airforce Service Pilots) and made more than 12,000 deliveries of planes. https://youtu.be/n_vcEkelV3I 68,000 served as nurses in the army and navy.