1. WARM UP
Objective: To identify key developments on the home front during WWII.
Journal: Most people during WWII accepted the practice of rationing.
What are some regular everyday items you could consider going without?
What are some adjustments to your standard of living you would have to make?
Why do you think rationing was widely accepted?
Do you think Americans today would be willing to ration?
If so, under what circumstances? If not, why?

2. Review
The U.S. marched toward Japan thanks to an “island hopping campaign”
Despite repeated losses, Japanese show an unwillingness to surrender, fighting to the death
Brutal battles and building apathy towards the war prompts the U.S. to use two atomic bombs on Japan

3. US Preparations
Prior to entering WWII, FDR began increasing the size of the US military
Govt awarded factory owners with contracts to increase production

4. Selective Service and Training Act
First peace-time draft in US history
Required 12 months service
All men ages had to register
10 million+ were drafted

5. War Production Board
Created to regulate war- time industry by deciding priorities, setting production goals, controlling distribution of raw materials and supplies

6. War Revenue War cost more than $300 billion
War Bonds: sold over $150 billion in bonds

7. Wartime Rationing
Ration books: special coupons to purchase goods (tires, gas, silk stockings, etc.)
Victory Gardens: Americans encouraged to grow their own food
Scrap drives: rubber, tin, aluminum, steel, animal fats and grease were collected for recycling

8. Propaganda
Posters: America was covered with propaganda posters promoting everything from recycling to enlistment
Newsreels: movie theaters showed patriotic films, pro- US news clips

9. Women in the Military US Army accepted women for the first time
Non-combat roles only
Over 275,000 women would serve in the WAC & WAVES

10. Women Women stepped into traditionally male roles in workplace
Showed reluctance to leave after war

11. Rosie the Riveter
Became a nationally recognized symbol for the important role of women workers

12. “Double V” Campaign
“Double V” campaign – “fighting for freedom overseas and at home”
Civil Rights Progress: Executive Order 8802
Banned racial discrimination hiring practices in defense industry

13. Population Shifts Second “Great Migration”
Industries and military bases were developed by the Fed govt in ”Sun Belt”

15. WWII Poster Assignment
Using the images before, choose a poster to observe. Answer the following questions regarding your choice:
1. For whom is this poster intended?
2. What is the poster trying to get the audience to do?
3. What is the theme of the poster?
4. What symbols, key words or images are used?
5. Is the use of the symbol/image/words successful?
6. Would a similar image have the same impact in today’s society? Why or why not?
Honors: How would you change the image to make it more powerful/convincing?