America At Home

Opportunity and Adjustment Time of Opportunity for many Americans After WWII, U.S emerged as a dominant and economic world power.

Economic Gains and Population Shifts Unemployment fell to 1.2 percent Weekly paychecks rose 35% during the war. Farmers prospered and income tripled Over 6 million women entered the work force in more challenging work with better pay More families moved especially to where there were defense jobs

Social Adjustments Families were usually headed by single mothers causing children to be taken care of by neighbors or relatives New families created. Marriage licenses went up by about 300% in Seattle alone. GI Bill- bill passed for returning servicemen to help adjust to new life. Provided education, training and federal loans to help buy houses.

Discrimination and Reaction African Americans moved out of the south in record numbers. Faced discrimination everywhere Racial Riots-Detroit 25 blacks dead and 9 whites over rumors

Zoot Suits 1943-Los Angeles Type of dress worn by Mexican Americans as a form of rebellion Sailors reported they had been attacked by Mexican Americans wearing Zoot Suits Led to 2 nights of violence in which many innocent civilians were beaten.

Bracero Program During WWII, there was an emergence of need for skilled laborers A partnership between Mexico and U.S. led to the Bracero program. Thousands of Mexicans left their homeland for a period of time to work in the fields, then they would return home. However many were continually harassed and discriminated against.

Native Americans Navajo Code Talkers Impossible for Japanese to break. Used to describe Native Americans who served in the USMC Primary job was the transmission of secret messages. Code talkers transmitted these messages over military telephone or radio. Used codes built upon their native languages. Oral, not written language.

Rationing Rationing was used to maintain supply of essential products to the war effort. Food quantity is allocated Gasoline has restrictions Luxuries are limited

Victory Gardens Used to reduce the pressure on the public food supply brought on by the war effort. A civil “morale” booster

War Bonds Debt securities issued by a government for the purpose of financing military operations during times of war. Affordable for all citizens