W.W.II: The Home Front

How were American war experiences different from

European?

•no fighting or destruction at home

•no civilian casualties •no change in government

•no borders redrawn

What role did the “home front” play in winning the

war?

“Once the fire is lighted under it (the U.S.), there is no limit to the power it

can generate.”

Winston Churchill

•Produced war materials for the U.S. and its allies

•By 1942, U.S. production equaled German, Italian and Japanese combined

•By 1944, U.S. production is twice Axis production

What role did US women play in W.W.II?

Workforce•6 million women entered the workforce during war

•1/3 of all women working•For the first time more married women than single worked

•involved in non-combat roles

•350,000 joined Nurse’s Corps, WACs, WAVEs, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard

Military

How did Military service for African American soldiers mirror American society?

•Most of the one million black soldiers were segregated in units and on bases

•Even black pilots were segregated

What social gains were made for African

Americans during W.W.II and why?

•Service in military provided more reason to demand rights

•FDR banned discrimination in hiring for defense industry

What unique contributions did Native Americans offer to

the war effort?

•About 25,000 volunteer

•Navajo language used as code

What event prompted the case Korematsu vs. United

States?

•Over 100,000 Japanese-Americans, mostly native born, sent to relocation camps

•Caused mostly by fear of invasion/espionage

•1944 the court said it was constitutional