The War on the Homefront The Effect of WWII on The United States Economy, Race Relations, Scientific Development, Women and Hollywood

-United States Economy- Office of Price Administration Froze the prices of goods so that inflation did not push them up In charge of food rationing – issued ration stamps to U.S citizens Rationing = reduced consumption of energy, goods, and supplies deemed essential for the military War Productions Board In charge of fuel and gasoline rationing; organized “drives” to collect these items Chose which industries/factories would change from peace-time production (refrigerators, cars, etc) to war-time production (tanks, airplanes, etc)‏ Department of the Treasury Sold war bonds to help pay for the war (you buy the bond, government gets your money to pay for war, after the war you turn in your bond and government pays you back + interest)‏

-United States Economy- National War Labor Board Froze wages Kept unions from striking Congress Raising the income tax rate Extended the income tax to people who had never paid it before

-Race Relations- THE BAD: The military during WWII was segregated – black units and white units Most African Americans were given non-combatant jobs In war industries, African Americans still faced rampant racism and discrimination. A. Philip Randolph wanted to have a “March on Washington” to protest, but FDR convinced him to wait until after the war was over. FDR issues executive order calling for the end of discrimination in the war industry. Also in 1943, the Zoot-Suit Riots took place – the result of Mexican youths fighting back against discrimination and racism

-Race Relations- Japanese Internment: After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, FDR issues Executive Order 9066, the internment (imprisonment) of all people of Japanese ancestry from Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. (Including native born Americans of Japanese ancestry = Nisei ) The interment was taken the U.S. Supreme Court (Korematsu v. U.S.) which declared the order constitutional, even though it violates the 14th amendment. (14th = laws must be applied in unbiased manner regardless of race, religion, sex, or national origin) In 1988, President Reagan authorized the giving of $20,000 to each of the Japanese American who was interned.

-Race Relations- THE GOOD: Japanese Americans and Native Americans served mainly in the Pacific where their language skills could be used – the Japanese listened to and translated Japanese messages and the Navajo used their language as a code that the Japanese could never break Tuskegee Airmen – the first black combat group of the Army Air Corps. Served as bomber escorts, engaging in direct combat with German fighters.

-Scientific Development- Office of Scientific Research and Development A collection of scientists brought together for the purpose of improving war-time technology Improved sonar and radar Use of pesticides to rid soldiers of body lice Developed penicillin The Manhattan Project The atom was first split by German scientists Albert Einstein, a Jewish German scientist, fled to the United States and warned FDR about Germany's technology FDR begins the Manhattan Project in order for the U.S to develop the the first atomic bomb

-Women- In the war effort: In war industries: At home: George Marshals (Sec. Of State) creates the Womens Auxillary Army Corps (WAAC) – it provided a way for women volunteers to serve in noncombat positions Most WAACs worked as nurses, ambulance drivers, and radio operators In war industries: Although women only earned 60% of what their male counterparts earned, they filled job vacancies left open by the draft At home: Created “Victory Gardens” so they wouldn't have to buy food Married early and quickly before their “sweethearts” went overseas

-Hollywood- After Pearl Harbor, Hollywood made many propaganda-like films which depicted many of the following themes: Favoritism towards the Soviet Union Support of the Allies Demonization of the Germans and Japanese However, the U.S public became weary of war movies and favored more escapist themes (like during the Great Depression). Some of these movies actually made fun of war. (Marx Brothers and Charlie Chaplin)‏