WWII Americans at War 1941 - 1945

Enlisting Public Support “Office of War Information” - like Comm. Public Information in WWI Writers and artists created posters and ads that stirred Americans’ patriotic feelings.

How do you gear up for a war? Boost defense spending from 2 to 10 billion Encouraged enlistment Selective Service and Training Act First Peacetime Draft

Preparing an Economy for War Because of the New Deal – the government had huge power over the economy. War Production Board – Convert peacetime industries to produce war materials. Like W.I.B. in WWI.

“Arsenal of Democracy” American economic power was AWESOME! By 1944 American production levels doubled those of all the Axis powers combined. 1945 300,000 planes 80,000 landing craft 100,000 armored cars and tanks 6 million rifles 41 BILLION rounds of ammunition!

Wartime Work Force War production ended all “Depression” unemployment. Wages rose by 50% between 1940 – 1945. Many women workers Rosie the Riveter “There’s a war on, you know!”

How did we pay for the war? 41% paid for by higher taxes War bonds. Loan your money to government. Pay back date with interest for the loan. Like WWI

How did we pay for the war? Went further into debt! 1940 – deficit spending made the US debt $43 billion. 1945 - $259 billion in debt!

Food Shortages Between troop needs and enemy stopping supply lines. Sugar Tropical fruits Coffee Chocolate

OPA! : Office of Price Administration When demand is greater than supply prices go UP! INFLATION! OPA set price limits. Sugar Coffee Meat Canned food Shoes Gas

Ration Books Coupons with certain values allowed consumers to buy a limited amount of goods for the month. Based on family size

What civilians were encouraged to do: Older men: join the Civilian Defense effort Kids: Scrap metal drives Women: Grow Victory Gardens Knit scarves and socks for the war Roll bandages for the Red Cross

Motto “Play YOUR Part” “Conserve and Collect” “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”