1. Exploring Minnesota Chapter 16: World War II

2. Introduction While the U.S. and world were struggling to cope with the Great Depression, a 2 nd World War was brewing. People all over the world were unemployed and businesses were failing. In Europe, countries were struggling to rebuild economies that were destroyed after World War I.

3. Introduction Starvation threatened million in Europe. This led them to question their leaders. In Germany and Italy, harsh and repressive dictators rose to power. In 1936, these two nations signed a partnership agreement – Axis powers. Hitler promised to restore Germany and planned to seize land from other countries – invasion of Poland. Countries responded by declaring war on Germany – WWII.

4. Axis Powers – Germany, Japan, Italy. Also Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania

5. Introduction American policy was of neutrality. See page 250. After Pearl Harbor, the United States joined the Allied nations that included Great Britain and the Soviet Union. WWII touched the lives of Minnesotans and other Americans in all sorts of ways. New jobs and money into the economy New jobs and money into the economy Also forced people to make sacrifices. Also forced people to make sacrifices. Also destroyed lives and shattered dreams. Also destroyed lives and shattered dreams. Life in MN changed drastically. People worried about basic things such as getting enough food and keeping loved ones safe. Life in MN changed drastically. People worried about basic things such as getting enough food and keeping loved ones safe.

7. The Home Front Most Minnesotans spent the war at home in Minnesota working, making sacrifices, and worrying about loved ones who were fighting in the war. -- The Home Front. William Cummings/Hildred Long -- See page 251.

8. War Work Continue to read about William Cummings on page 252. The United States had been sending supplies to the Allies in Europe prior to Pearl Harbor. Upon entering the war the government knew that they would need supplies, especially weapons and ammunition. Twin Cities Ordnance

10. War Work - Manufacturers Many MN companies contributed to the war effort. Military Clothing, portable bridges, and pontoons, SPAM See page 252

11. War Work -- Agriculture MN’s farmers faced increases in production during the war. Tough as many farmers were either fighting or took higher paying defense jobs. Govt tried to ease the problem by making farmers exempt from serving in the military. Also urged others to help with farm work. Also prisoners of war and foreign workers. See page 252.

12. War Work – Iron Ore and Timber Many mines had shut down during the Depression but resumed full time production for the war. Sent iron ore off to be made into guns, tanks, bombs, and ships. Timber industry had a hard time keeping up with demand for lumber and paper. In 1943, MN was short an estimated 4,000 loggers. Solution: More prisoners of war.

13. Making Sacrifices In the spring of 1942, the govt started a system of rationing, limiting the amount of certain items that people could buy. Sugar, meat, milk, eggs, soups, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables. Sugar, meat, milk, eggs, soups, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables. 1943 govt announced that 25% of all food produced was needed for the war. 1943 govt announced that 25% of all food produced was needed for the war. Victory gardens Victory gardens See page 254. See page 254.

14. Making Sacrifices Other goods (ex. Safety pins, tires, etc.) became hard to find as raw materials such as copper, brass and rubber were used for making military hardware. People learned to conserve, reuse, and repair. Gas rations See page 254.

15. Joining the Fight More than 300,000 Minnesotans served in the armed forces during WWII. Came from every ethnic background, although blacks served in segregated units and responsibilities were limited. Hundreds of Dakota and Ojibwe also. Many MNs volunteered, some were drafted. See Cummings/Long page 255-56.

16. Joining the Fight Nearly 6,000 Minnesotans died in WWII. Many others were wounded or MIA. The ones who returned came back to a hero’s welcome. As they settled back with their families, many looked to a bright future. But they soon realized that the postwar world was full of new dangers that forced them to rethink what it meant to be secure. (Ch. 17 – Cold War, Warm Kitchens)