The American People of World War II

Women and Minorities…AMERICANS! Who were they?

The Women: More than 300,000 women joined the workforce during World War Two and held jobs such as: Typists Factory Workers (Munitions to ship building) Offices McDougall Littell, American History; 2008, p 813-815

Included everyone from African American, to Asian and everything in between Minorities:

African Americans: Tuskegee Airmen- One of the most decorated aerial units ever to fly in the military. Never lost a plane (previously believed) Lost 25 bombers Their accomplishments helped lead the U.S. military towards a desegregation policy Flew in Italy where they distinguished themselves very well

Mexicans Many Mexicans came to the United States during World War as part of the “Bracero” program: It brought people into the country to man the fields and harvest crops while the other farmers went off to war Their efforts were vital as they kept the U.S. soldiers and country well supplied during their fights in Europe and in the Pacific

Japanese: Despite order 9066, Japanese-Americans still volunteered to fight in a segregated unit abroad Distinguished themselves as one of the best fighting units during World War II

Native Americans Navajo “Code Talkers” were some of the most important contributors during the war in the Pacific Used an “Unbreakable” code that the Japanese were never able to break, to relay information throughout the U.S. military units Many contribute their efforts to the eventual success of the U.S. military in the Pacific