The Minority Experience in WWII US History Mrs. Housenick 2/8/13

Race in World War II Racism in military Soldiers of color enlisted, but in segregated units Not given top positions in military Many of these minority units were the most decorated of the war African-Americans: Tuskegee Airmen Mexican-Americans Japanese Americans: Not allowed to join at first, later formed the 442nd Regimental Combat Team Native-Americans: Served in Marine Corps as Navajo Code Talkers Transmitted secret messages to US forces

African-Americans During War Double Victory campaign: Victory against dictators abroad, and racism at home Some victories: more job opportunities, increased migration to North and West (esp. CA) Still, much racism: blacks paid less, discriminated in housing, in public facilities

African-American Resistance Blacks begin organizing: 1941: Blacks threatened to march on Washington to protest prejudice against African-American workers In response to threat, Roosevelt banned discrimination in government agencies and jobs. Established the Fair Employment Practices Commission to ensure equal treatment for African-Americans and other minorities in war industries. Important precedent to Civil Rights movement.

Clip from American Me In your notes, jot down three examples of hatred, tension or violence between whites and Mexican Americans in WWII Los Angeles. 5

Racial Tensions in LA during WWII Racism against Mexican Americans and the fear of teen crime Mexican American teenagers who wore “zoot suits” were targeted. Seen as unpatriotic and unsupportive of war June 1943: 2500 soldiers and sailors attacked Mexican American neighborhoods in LA--> ZOOT SUIT RIOTS

Women in WWII Benefited from huge demand for labor because of wartime production Many American women entered workforce for first time “Rosie the Riveter”—icon of women worker Women told it was their patriotic duty to work Over 6 million women entered the workforce Women who worked before the war were able to get better paying jobs when war began

Did Women’s Roles Really Change? Men continued to dominate supervisory positions Women still paid less WOMEN FORCED OUT OF THE WORKFORCE AT THE END OF THE WAR! Women veterans were not recognized for benefits until 1979.