Transcript Chapter 35

Chapter 35
The Impact of World War II on
America
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• By rationing scarce gods, the government could assure the military
the materials and supplies needed to defend the nation. For
example, limiting the consumption of gasoline at home ensured
that military vehicles would get the fuel they needed. The War
Production Board was charged with transforming American
industry into war manufacturers such as the automobile companies
into tank and airplane engine producers. Executive Order 9066
declared that large military zones could be established to detain
resident who were believed to be a threat to security. This was
aimed at people of Japanese ancestry. The federal government’s
huge demand for military supplies revived the economy, increasing
productivity , employment, and incomes. During the New Deal, the
government had taken an active role in the economy : now it
expanded that role.
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• The purchase of war savings bonds helped
finance the war effort and made Americans
feel as though they were personally doing
their part to support the defense of the
nation. Women’s Army Corps allowed them to
serve in the military in support and clerical
units for the first time in American history.
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• Discrimination lessened somewhat, although racism and ethnic
prejudice continued to be a major problem in the United States. In
this regard the Japanese nationals, as well as American citizens of
Japanese ancestry, suffered the most. Korematsu v. United States
was a Supreme Court case which challenged the legality of the
Federal Government to detain American Citizens of Japanese
Ancestry. The court ruled that Civil Rights can be set aside during a
time of war. Double V Campaign Was a civil rights movement led by
African Americans to win democracy abroad against the axis and at
home against prejudice and segregation. Zoot Suit Riots Were
when mobs of servicemen roamed Los Angeles Barrios to attack
Hispanics who wore a particular fashion which symbolized possible
gang relations. War Refugee Board was established in 1944 to
arrange for the relocation of Jewish people in the war zones to safe
areas in Italy and Africa.
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• Both men and women served in the military, among
them the Japanese Americans, African Americans,
Mexican Americans and Jewish Americans. After
enduring a difficult training period, many soldiers gave
their lives for their country. Others suffered the
hardships of combat, including the physical, mental,
and emotional wounds of battleTuskegee Airmen were
some of the first black soldiers allowed to serve in
combat units. They were pilots who racked up awards
for service and valor. An all-volunteer Japanese
American combat unit fought with special bravery in
battle. It earned more medals than any other unit of
its size in American history.