American Home Front During WWII and the Treatment of Different Groups World War II changed the face of the United States in numerous ways.

The American Home Front World War II had a major impact on lives of all Americans, even those who did not fight in the war.

Mobilizing for War U.S. government and industry forged a close working relationship to allocate resources effectively. Factory production changed from consumer goods to war supplies. Example: car manufacturing to tank manufacturing

Food Rationing Rationing was used to maintain supply of essential products to the war effort. Each person was limited to a certain amount of scarce goods Coupons required to purchase gas, meat, butter Not all food was rationed, these foods included: eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, dried and dehydrated fruits, fish, shellfish, breads, cereals, milk, spaghetti, macaroni, noodles,poultry, jams, jellies, mayonnaise, salad dressing, and cheeses.

Food Rationing con’t… Red Stamp rationing: This included all meats, butter, fats and oils, and cheese Each person was allowed 16 points a week Blue Stamp rationing: This included all canned, bottled and frozen fruits and vegetables and their juices, dry beans, peas, lentils, and processed foods such as soups, baby foods, baked beans, catsup and chili sauce. Each person was allowed up to 48 points, but only during certain weeks Weeks were divided into A, B and C for Red Stamp rationing and G, H and F for Blue Stamp rationing

War Bonds War bonds and income tax were used for financing the war.

Human Resources More women and minorities entered the labor force as men entered the armed forces. Citizens volunteered in support of the war effort

Military Resources The draft/selective service was used to provide personnel for the military.

Women during WWII Woman increasingly participated in the workforce to replace men serving in the military. “Rosie the Riveter” was the new role model for women. 6 million women went to work in the new defense industries By 1943, women =1/3 of the workforce and 65% of the aviation industry

Minority Participation African Americans generally served in segregated military units and were assigned to noncombat roles but demanded the right to serve in combat rather than support roles

All Minority Units Tuskegee Airmen: African American fighter pilots Nisei regiments: Asian-American Units

Additional Contributions of Minorities Navaho code-talkers The language was not written Difficult for Axis Powers to decipher code Mexican Americans also fought, but in nonsegregated units Minority units suffered high casualties and won numerous unit citations and individual medals for courage in battle

What was the result of the Holocaust? The Nuremberg Trials -After the war, the SS, the German Gestapo, Nazi leaders and others were convicted of war crimes. -The Nuremburg Trials emphasized individual responsibility, regardless of orders received. -The trials led to increased demand for a Jewish homeland.

Internment of Japanese Americans Reasons for Internment Strong anti-Japanese sentiment on the West Coast False belief that Japanese Americans were aiding the enemy Japanese Americans were re-located to Internment camps.

Executive Order #9066 Japanese Americans must be relocated to internment camps Had one week to prepare and could only take what they could carry Moved to ten over-crowded camps with sub-standard housing

Korematsu v the United States -Japanese-American Internment Camp Survivors sought a ruling on the unconstitutionality of Executive Order #9066 1988-each surviving internee received $20,000 from the government and an apology

Media/Communications assistance U.S. government maintained strict censorship of reporting of the war. Public Morale and ad campaigns kept Americans focused on the war effort. The Entertainment Industry boosted morale and patriotic support for the war effort as well as portrayed the enemy in stereotypical ways