The Home Front 17.4

BIG IDEAS MAIN IDEA: After WWII, Americans adjusted to new economic opportunities and harsh social tensions. WHY IT MATTERS NOW: Economic opportunities, afforded by WWII led to a more diverse middle class in the U.S.

Economic Gains Cause/Effect Main Ideas CAUSE: Men fought in War– Defense industry booms EFFECT: Unemployment falls to 1.2% Farmers prosper with technological advances Women gain employment opportunities; but lose jobs with the end of the war

Population Shift Cause/ Effect 2 Main Ideas CAUSE: War economy changes social patterns EFFECT: Largest Migration in US history 1 million people move to CA from 1941-1944 Great Migration: African Americans move out of the South

Social Adjustments Cause/effect 2 main ideas CAUSE: Men left for war Effect: Women suffer, families struggle, relationships are strained– people rush to marry GI Bill of Rights: helps returning vets transition into civilian life; gives them schools and work 7.8 million vets receive education

Civil Rights Protests Cause/Effect 2 main Ideas CUASE: Segregation in Military and at home EFFECT: CORE Congress of Racial Equality Even when fighting together racism still existed 1945 race relations begin to improve

Tensions in LA Cause /Effect 2 Main ideas CAUSE: Prejudice towards Mexican Americans EFFECT: Riots and violence by “Zoot Suit ” wearing Mexican Americans Beatings started when 11 sailors claimed to be attacked Mexican Americans hope for a better future

Japanese Internment Cause/effect 2 Main Ideas CAUSE: Fear and uncertainty from Pearl Harbor towards Japanese Americans EFFECT: Interment Camps– confinement of 101000 JACL: $138 MIL to compensate for the losses 1990 government gives apology letter and $20,000 to each family