WORLD WAR II THE HOME FRONT

The War Economy Smith-Connally Act- gave the govt. right to seize and operate industries threatened by or under strikes that would interfere with war production. War Production Board-Over saw purchase, production, and distribution of war materials. Urged people to ration resources. Office of Price Administration Controlled prices on goods and established guidelines on products to ration like gas, rubber and aluminum Ended the Great Depression Era of industrial expansion Increase in Personal income- poorest 20% rose nearly 70% Union membership grew from 10.5 million in 1941 to 13.5 million in 1945 War Labor Board-Protected the right of labor to form unions, encouraged an 8 hour working day, safety inspections, and no child labor

Women at War Thrust into “inappropriate” roles such as factory work, heavy industrial jobs. Known as “Rosies.” Produced problems like discrimination, “Latch Key Children” or “eight hour orphans.” Most women worked in service-sector jobs, especially for the government. “Government Girls.” About 200,000 women joined the military. One called WAAC (Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps) had women be mail carriers, mechanics, clerical work, nurses, ambulance drivers, pilots, radio operators.

All the day long, Whether rain or shine, She's a part of the assembly line. She's making history, Working for victory, Rosie the Riveter. Keeps a sharp lookout for sabotage, Sitting up there on the fuselage. That little girl will do more than a male will do. Rosie's got a boyfriend, Charlie. Charlie, he's a Marine. Rosie is protecting Charlie, Working overtime on the riveting machine. When they gave her a production "E," She was as proud as she could be. There's something true about, Red, white, and blue about, Rosie the Riveter.

You know you’ve arrived when Mattel makes an action figure out of you!

Black Americans in Armed Forces Fought Nazi racism while experiencing racism 1 mil black Americans served Black-only units w/ white officers (segregation) 1944: African-Americans fight! 1944: Marines allow blacks to fight; before limited to transport, cooks & labor Distinguished service in Battle of the Bulge, Iwo Jima 332nd Fighter Squadron legendary; “Tuskegee Airmen” Navy had worst discrimination Only 58 black officers by end of war Blacks given worst jobs, like loading ammo ships

African Americans in the Work Place African-Americans answer the call 400,000 immigrated from South On average, doubled wages to $1000/year Discrimination follows immigrants Black workers made 1/2 white workers’ pay FDR’s Exec Order 8802 supposed to end pay discrimination in defense work; ignored 1942, Packard Electronics, Detroit: 3,000 white workers & managers walk out when 3 black Americans given raises due to EO 8802 Race riots in 47 cities; worst in Detroit June-July 1943 Despite troubles, WWII sowed seeds of Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-60s

Japanese-Americans

Japanese Americans Nisei- American born who had Japanese heritage. 35,000 fought in the war. Isei-Native Japanese who moved to the United States. 1942- FDR signed Executive Order 9066. All Japanese Americans suspected of being loyal to Japan would be detained in Interment Camps. (last camp closed in 1946) Korematsu V. United States Supreme Court upheld internment for National Security 5,000 left and went to live in Japan.

Outcome… Civil Liberties Act of 1988 contained a formal apology -- as well as provisions for monetary reparations to the Japanese Americans interned during the war. In 1998, President Bill Clinton awarded Fred Korematsu the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The redress program made $20,000 payments to 82,210 Japanese Americans or their heirs

Gordon Hirabayashi

Native Americans Less discriminated that African Americans 25,000 saw service, including Navajo Code Talkers. However, Native Americans on reservations did not benefit from the war time economy.

Zoot Suit Riots Series of riots in LA in June 1943 between white Sailors and Marines and Latino youths, recognized by the Zoot suits they wore. This was just another example of racial tensions in America.