WORLD WAR II: THE HOME FRONT US History: Spiconardi

Rosie the Riveter  The image of Rosie the Riveter was used to encourage women to join the workforce  Rosie represented the “heroic” work of woman in wartime industries  During WWII there was a 57 percent jump in the number of working women

Rosie the Riveter  “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”

Rationing  Rationing was introduced since certain goods were in short supply  Rationing ensured that everyone got their fare share and there were supplies for the troops

Rationing

How will rationing help the war effort?

Japanese Internment  “An Enemy Race”  The government believed Japanese-Americas could be enemy agents  Relocation 120,000 Japanese-Americans were forced to move to internment camps This did not happen to German- and-Italian-Americans

Japanese Internment  Why the Japanese?  Racism and stereotypes The Japanese were believed to be sneaky and evil “The very fact that no sabotage has taken place to date is a disturbing and confirming indication that such action will be taken.” ~ General John L. DeWitt, Chief of the Western Defense Command

Japanese Internment  Life in the Internment Camps Japanese-Americans who were forced to relocate to internment camps had 48 hours to pack their belongings. Here is their baggage waiting to be claimed at the camp.

Japanese Internment  Life in the internment camp A windstorm blows through the barracks of a relocation camp at the foot of the Sierra Nevada

Japanese Internment  Life in the internment camp  Many internees lost personal property due to the restrictions on what could be taken into the camps Theft in government storage facilities was also a significant problem What does this edifice look like?

Japanese Internment  Life in the internment camp

Japanese Internment  Korematsu vs. US (1944)  In a 6 -3 decision, the Supreme Court upholds the constitutionality of the relocation of Japanese- Americans Fred Korematsu sued on that basis that the government violated his Fifth Amendment rights.