Mobilizing for WAR

Building an Army The U.S. government had to recruit millions of soldiers for World War II. Selective Training and Service Act: Passed in 1940, this act was the first peacetime draft in U.S. History. At first only men 21-35 had to register but later it was made to include men aged 18- 45. Women, people with jobs that were essential to the war effort, or individuals with certain medical or religious restrictions were not made to register.

Building an Army 15 million Americans served in the military. Of that 15 million, a group of around 300,000 consisted of African Americans and Mexican Americans. 44,000 Native Americans would serve during WWII. No group that participated in World War II made a greater per capita contribution. As in WWI, African American troops faced discrimination and often served in segregated units. Later, African Americans were given more opportunities.

The Wartime Economy In 1940 Roosevelt called for America to become “The Arsenal of Democracy” and began supplying the Allied powers by producing weapons, tanks, airplanes, etc. The troubles of the Great Depression began to dissipate. Incomes rose and unemployment nearly vanished. Factory jobs were in high demand and paid well. Yet agricultural production remained high as well.

The Wartime Economy Government increased it’s control of the economy, creating the War Production Board (WPB), which oversaw conversion of factories to wartime production. The WPB banned production of cars in 1942 to have automotive plants make military vehicles and equipment instead.

"Like England's battles were won on the playing fields of Eton, America's were won on the assembly lines of Detroit.” -Walter Reuther, UAW

The Wartime Economy Rationing program established in 1942 that set limits on the amount food, clothing and gas people could buy. Communities collected scrap metal, aluminum cans and rubber, which were used to produce armaments.

The Wartime Economy Taxes were increased to help pay for the war. Middle and lower-class Americans had to pay income taxes for the first time. The government also borrowed the money, mostly through the sale of war bonds.

Women and the Workplace When the United States entered the war, there were many new jobs and not enough workers. Women entered the workplace in large numbers despite frequent discrimination and receiving less pay. Women also worked in the armed forces fulfilling roles ranging from running communication systems, flying planes from factories to military units, to serving as nurses in combat zones.

Opportunities and Obstacles The war triggered the greatest mass migration in American history. More than a million newcomers poured into California between 1941- 1944. African-Americans again shifted from south to north.

Opportunities and Obstacles Despite increased opportunities for minorities discrimination persisted. Under the threat of protest President Roosevelt created the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) to prevent discrimination in war industries and government jobs. Zoot-Suit Riots: Riots that occurred in response to U.S. sailors attacking Mexican Americans wearing Zoot Suits.

Propaganda