United States Entry into World War II

• Infamous Date: December 7, 1941, marked the U.S. entry into WWII.

• Adaptation Needed: The country adjusted to support the war effort.

  • Rationing: Food and clothing were rationed.

  • Victory Gardens: People grew their own produce to stretch rations.

  • Scrap Drives: Towns collected rubber and aluminum for defense materials.

Social Issues During War

• Racism and Discrimination: Despite fighting for democracy abroad, racism persisted at home, particularly against immigrants and non-white Americans.

• Financial Contribution: Many Americans purchased war bonds to support military funding.

  • Japanese American Internment: Following Executive Order 9066, over 100,000 Japanese Americans were interned during the war.

• Segregation: Discrimination against African Americans persisted; they often faced unequal pay and job opportunities.

  • Double V Campaign: Advocacy for victory in the war and for equal rights domestically.

Changes in Gender Roles

• Labor Demand: With many men enlisted, a labor shortage emerged, particularly in wartime production (e.g., planes and military goods).

• Women's Workforce Participation: Women filled roles left vacant by men, taking on jobs in various industries, including military service.

  • All-American Girls Professional Baseball League: Formed in 1943 to sustain baseball during wartime, lasting until 1954.

Volunteer Organizations

• Women’s Voluntary Services: Various organizations formed to support the war effort, including:

  • American Women’s Voluntary Services (AWVS): Approximately 325,000 women volunteered for canteens, war bond sales, and ambulance driving.

  • United Services Organization (USO): Founded in 1941 to support troops with rest centers and entertainment.

  • American Red Cross: Established in 1881, grew during WWII by collecting blood and organizing volunteer efforts.

Defense Industry Expansion

• Post-War Economic Shift: The war catalyzed a boom in the defense industry, producing an array of military goods.

  • War Production Board & Office of War Mobilization: Established to oversee production and coordinate financial resources.

  • Company Transformations: Many manufacturers, including automakers, repurposed their operations for military needs, producing millions of trucks, tanks, and aircraft.

• Population Movement: Many individuals relocated for war jobs, particularly women entering the workforce for the first time due to the labor shortage.

Discrimination in Employment

• Executive Order 8802: Banned discrimination in defense jobs; however, discriminatory practices persisted.

• Employment Growth for African Americans: By 1944, the percentage of African American women in domestic service decreased while their presence in defense work increased significantly.

• Chinese American Women's Contributions: Faced significant employment barriers but accessed jobs in defense industries due to labor shortages.

Military Involvement of Women

• Advocacy for Military Roles: Eleanor Roosevelt pushed for women’s inclusion in the military, leading to the establishment of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1942.

  • WAC Expansion: Became the Women’s Army Corps in 1943 with full military status; included other services (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) that formed women's reserve groups.

  • Role Limitations: Women primarily served in non-combat roles, facing discrimination and quotas limiting African American participation.

Food Rationing and Agricultural Changes

• Emergency Price Control Act: Signed by FDR in 1942, authorized food rationing.

  • Ration Books: Issued to individuals for purchasing rationed foods using points, with commodities categorized under red and blue points.

  • Growth of Victory Gardens: Encouraged nationwide; estimated 20 million gardens cultivated by 1943.

• Women’s Land Army: Created in 1943 in response to labor shortages in agriculture, employing around 2.5 million women during the war.

• USDAs Role: The USDA Extension Services helped families with food preservation techniques through canning demonstrations and community centers.

  • Canning Centers: Important for maximizing food use amid shortages; approximately 6,000 centers operated during the war.

  • Sugar Rationing for Canning: Canners could apply for additional sugar, although availability varied.

Conclusion

• Impact of Women's Contributions: Women's roles in both defense and home front industries became essential for wartime success, influencing future societal and economic norms.

• Legacy of Women in the Military: Continued recognition and incorporation of women's roles in the armed services, culminating in modern memorials honoring servicewomen.