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Americans in WWII Chapter 24 Section 1

After the attack on Pearl Harbor many Americans rush to join WWII Roosevelt declares war December 11th ,350 dead, 68 civilians (1,177 from USS Arizona) This attack was shocking to Americans. Why? Why do you think the Japanese decided to attack first?

Axis Advantages Both Germany and Japan maintained firm control of conquered areas Why would this be an advantage? Germany and Japan were better prepared for war Increased militarism/aggression during the 1930s People were angry, they knew war was coming

Allies Advantages Germany had to spread its forces from France to the Soviet Union and from Norway to North Africa Japan controlled a large area in the Pacific 2 front war—Germany never defeated the British or the Soviets How could this potentially cause major problems for the Third Reich? Gigantic Soviet military and U.S. production power were keys to victory

The United States Mobilizes for War Wartime economy Government and private industries cooperate for war effort Union leaders agree not to strike Why is cooperation among these entities so important?

Increased Production Government employs 500,000 workers to produce ammunition and weapons No cars are produced between 1940 and 1945 American car factories produce planes, tanks, jeeps, and guns This creates an economic boom that ends the Great Depression Unemployment drops to 1.2% in 1944 Average earnings almost double

Government Expansion Mobilizing for war required a much larger federal government—why? Total war—there is not difference between civilian and military resources War Production Board—directed conversion of civilian factories to military ones Office of War Mobilization—coordinated government agencies involved in war effort Selective Training and Service Act (1940)— peacetime draft