1. WWII and the Home front

2. Economic Impact
Outbreak of WWII in Europe and the US joining the war in 1941 pulled the US out of the Great Depression
European demand for war goods stimulated the American economy – increased production- more jobs
When the US went to war in 1941, thousands of men were removed from the workforce, reducing unemployment

3. Impact on Business Increased demand brought up prices and production
Food prices increased dramatically- 18% increase between 1941 and 42
The Federal Government played a larger role in the wartime economy
Limited competition between companies producing war materials
Offered incentives to businesses to produce for the war effort (Detroit car industry)

4. Rationing
High demand did create a shortage of some goods/resources, so the nation began trying to conserve things like steel, rubber and glass for war industries.
Nearly 300 items were deemed nonessential during this time, and therefore their production was suspended to conserve resources
Refrigerators, coat hangers, beer cans, toothpaste tubes, sewing machines, phonographs

6. Rationing cont.
The Office of Price Administration (OPA) established in 1942 used its power to try and distribute food and other scarce items more fairly through a rationing system
Ration Books
Each month, a family received 2 ration books- one for canned goods, one for meat and dairy
Soon gasoline and rubber were rationed as well
3 gallons of gas/week
2 pairs of shoes a year
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”

7. Women and WWII
As 15 million men joined the armed forces, their absence created a labor shortage, which allowed thousands of women the opportunity to work outside the home
New jobs previously unavailable to women- Military, industrial and professional
Women’s Army Corp, Army Nurses Corp, etc
Electricians, welders, riveters
First time in US history, married women outnumbered single women in the workforce
Rosie the Riveter came to symbolize the working woman

8. Sports and Entertainment
After Pearl Harbor, the MLB commissioner sent a letter to FDR asking if the league should shut down to conserve resources
FDR said no, remarking on the importance of morale during hard times
The movies were filled with war related material
Each film started with a 10 minute newsreel and a cartoon (often Loony Toons!)
The feature films were varied (westerns, comedies, etc), but many had distinct war messages (Yellow Peril, V for Victory)

9. Sports and Entertainment cont.
Music reflected wartime experiences
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B
Filled with negative images and portrayals of the Germans and Japanese
Radio was still the primary source of news and entertainment for most Americans
All media elements were touched by American participation in and perspective on WWII

10. Election of 1944
The GI Bill was introduced by FDR during the election of 1944
This bill would provide educational support, medical care and housing loans for veterans
Overwhelmingly supported by Congress
Because of this and the public’s general trust, FDR easily wins his 4th term.