1. Impact of WWII on African Americans
By Renee Cadiz, Devrina Chidambaram, Joelle Telloian, Valeriya Stiblina
“Why die for democracy for some foreign country when we don’t even have it here?”
-Chicago Defender (Newspaper)
African Americans were strongly aware of the racism in the United States during WWII and Americans fighting racism in Europe was contradictory, when they didn’t have equality in America. However, they still served in WWII, with more opportunities than in WWI, yet still facing hardships.

2. Opportunities
During World War II, military discrimination against African American soldiers was eliminated. As the war progressed, African American soldiers were given the opportunity to engage in combat within the armed forces and even to become officers. African American soldiers proved that they were equipped to deal with the
most demanding military
assignments. The Tuskegee
Airmen were among those who
proved their skill and bravery
in combat.

3. Opportunities A.Philip Randolph
Fought to end discrimination in defense-related jobs.
Threatened Roosevelt to lead a massive march on Washington to protest discrimination. The threat worked.
Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802, outlawing discrimination by defense contractors.
Paved the way for nearly a million African Americans to work for the defense industries during the war.

4. Hardships Segregation in training camps ate in separate mess halls
slept in separate barracks
In early days of war, marines and army air corps didn’t accept African Americans
Navy limited African American duties to cooking, cleaning rooms, and shining shoes
Army accepted black GIs, but excluded them from combat
served in segregated units led by white officers
worked in construction, supply, or other service groups

5. Key Terms
Double V Campaign - African Americans wanted wanted all citizens to join the fight for a “double victory” -- a victory for democracy both abroad and at home.
Tuskegee Airmen - the first black combat unit established in the air corps showed that
African Americans
could handle the most
demanding assignments.

6. Valeriya- key terms and opportunity slide.
Joelle- Opportunity slide and pictures.
Renee- Hardships slide
Devrina- Title Page