Impacts of WWII on the U.S.

U.S. Economy A.Time of Opportunity – Job opportunities: unemployment fell to 1.2% – Prosperous farming – Women: new job opportunities B.U.S. becomes the world’s dominant economic power

Population Shifts A.Mass Migrations – Millions left home to find work – Towns with defense industries doubled or tripled in size B.The South lost over 1.2 million African- Americans African-American Migration during WWII

Social Adjustments A.Family difficulties: dads fighting and moms working B.Increase in marriages C.G.I. Bill of Rights – Benefits for veterans – Education and training – Loan guarantees

Civil Rights Issues A.African-Americans – Segregated units in WWII – Home Front—Discrimination B.Mexican Americans – 250,000 to 500,000 serve in armed forces – Increased immigration for jobs – Discrimination – Zoot Suit riots in L.A.