America on the Home front Aim: How were Americans at home during World War II “civilian warriors”?

“the man behind the man behind the gun”

John Meintz – tarred and feathered for not supporting a bond drive during WWI

Meintz vs Huntington: John Meintz, a US born citizen of immigrant parents from Denmark, chose to oppose WWI efforts by refusing to purchasing additional war bonds. A pro-war mob tarred and feathered John Meintz for his alleged failure to purchase bonds in sufficient quantities, and Meintz sued. Meintz had been active in the Non-Partisan League, an Agrarian Populist group. This case graphically illustrates the “war hysteria” that flourished during the Great war and victimized many innocent Americans.

I. Sacrifices

II. Propaganda A. Movies, radio B. Impact: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TUPUbvO0eU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FpsaBqF4sU&feature=PlayList&p=25A33DEB12EE2DD0&index=0&playnext=1 B. Impact:

III. Impact on Society A. Women: 6 million join workforce 1. WAC’s

B. African Americans 1. Migration to Northern cities and the west for jobs. 2. Double V sign- Victory over fascism and racism 3. CORE – 1942 4. Inspired greater involvement in achieving equal rights

C. Mexicans 1. 300,000 served in military 2. 1942 agreement allowed “braceros” to enter for harvest season 3. Zoot Suit Riots – Los Angeles -1943 whites and Mexicans battled in the streets

IV. Japanese Americans

A. Executive Order 9066 Now, therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, and Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I hereby authorize …to prescribe military areas in such places and of such extent as he or the appropriate Military Commander may determine, from which any or all persons may be excluded, and with respect to which, the right of any person to enter, remain in, or leave shall be subject to whatever restrictions the Secretary of War or the appropriate Military Commander may impose in his discretion. The Secretary of War is hereby authorized to provide for residents of any such area who are excluded therefrom, such transportation, food, shelter, and other accommodations as may be necessary, in the judgment of the Secretary of War or the said Military Commander, and until other arrangements are made, to accomplish the purpose of this order.

B. Korematsu v. United States Facts: Strong anti-Japanese feeling Convicted of knowingly remaining in a designated military area violating Executive order #9066 Issue: Did Exec #9066 violate his 14th amendment and 5th right to life, liberty, and property

Opinion: An entire race can be labelled “suspect classification” Gov’t allowed to deny Japanese constitutional rights Because only a number of Japanese were disloyal, the military may exclude people of Japanese ancestry from essential areas during wartime. National Security!

The End of World War II A. European Front B. Pacific Front 1. D-Day Invasion 2. Battle of the Bulge 3. Bombing of Dresden 4. V-E Day 5. Concentration Camps and Nuremberg Trials B. Pacific Front 1. Battle of Okinawa 2. Atomic Bomb 3. V-J Day