1. We Helped Win The War Too!
A Look at Minority Groups in WWII

2. Women At the Homefront
By million women working (up 57% from 1940)
Men $54.65/week
Women $31.21/week

3. Rosie the Riveter Nickname for women working in Factories
Jobs: welders, riveters, making munitions, machinists, etc

4. Women in the Military
Law by May 1942 (at 1st Congress against it-it took a year to pass)
Jobs: Secretaries, radio operators, truck drivers, and airplane mechanics
NO COMBAT!

5. Women in The Military WACS: Army
WAVES: Navy (fashion designer helped design uniforms to keep feminine)
SPARS: Coast Guard

6. Women in the Military WASPS: Women’s Air Force Service Pilots
Ferried training aircraft and supplies
38 died during WWII

7. WASPS AFTER WAR Returned home with no military benefits or recognition
July 1, 2009 Obama awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal
Ceremony March 10, 2010

8. Civilian Women Overseas
Red Cross: nurses, nurses aides
Salvation Army: Donut Dollies, Entertainment

9. African Americans on The Homefront
Women migrate north to work in factories
Double V Campaign: victory over fascism in Europe & victory over racism at home

10. African Americans in the Military
Start of WWII Segregated, No Combat depending on branch
2.5 million African Americans registered for the draft
-For better pay & to fight racism

11. African Americans in the Military
Army: Two all black units
92nd Division
761st Tank Division (Black Panthers)
-Fought in combat
-Battle of the Bulge
-Medal of Honor winner

12. 761st Tank Unit
“Men, you're the first Negro tankers to ever fight in the American Army. I would never have asked for you if you weren't good. I have nothing but the best in my Army. I don't care what color you are as long as you go up there and kill those Kraut sons of b*****. Everyone has their eyes on you and is expecting great things from you. Most of all your race is looking forward to your success. Don't let them down and d*** you, don't let me down!” -Patton

13. African Americans in the Military
Tuskegee Airmen:
Trained at Tuskegee University & Howard University
-1st had to train as civilians
-445 Tuskegee airmen in WWII
-150 killed in WWII
-Highly Decorated

14. After the War Troops become Desegregated by the end of WWII
Return to discrimination and segregation in the south
Jackie Robinson: 1st African American to play for the Major Leagues in Baseball April 15, 1947
*He was in the 761st!

15. Mexican Americans Bracero Programs: US recruits Mexican farmers
-told to return after WWII
Zoot Suit Riots: white sailors started a fight with Mexican Americans & it led to riots in Los Angeles that spread across the country
Also targeted African Americans, other Latinos, & Filipinos
Nicknamed for suits Mexicans wore