1. The Home Front
17.4

2. BIG IDEAS
MAIN IDEA: After WWII, Americans adjusted to new economic opportunities and harsh social tensions.
WHY IT MATTERS NOW: Economic opportunities, afforded by WWII led to a more diverse middle class in the U.S.

3. Economic Gains Cause/Effect Main Ideas
CAUSE: Men fought in War– Defense industry booms
EFFECT: Unemployment falls to 1.2%
Farmers prosper with technological advances
Women gain employment opportunities; but lose jobs with the end of the war

5. Population Shift Cause/ Effect 2 Main Ideas
CAUSE: War economy changes social patterns
EFFECT: Largest Migration in US history
1 million people move to CA from
Great Migration: African Americans move out of the South

7. Social Adjustments Cause/effect 2 main ideas CAUSE: Men left for war
Effect: Women suffer, families struggle, relationships are strained– people rush to marry
GI Bill of Rights: helps returning vets transition into civilian life; gives them schools and work
7.8 million vets receive education

9. Civil Rights Protests Cause/Effect 2 main Ideas
CUASE: Segregation in Military and at home
EFFECT: CORE Congress of Racial Equality
Even when fighting together racism still existed
1945 race relations begin to improve

11. Tensions in LA Cause /Effect 2 Main ideas
CAUSE: Prejudice towards Mexican Americans
EFFECT: Riots and violence by “Zoot Suit ” wearing Mexican Americans
Beatings started when 11 sailors claimed to be attacked
Mexican Americans hope for a better future

13. Japanese Internment Cause/effect 2 Main Ideas
CAUSE: Fear and uncertainty from Pearl Harbor towards Japanese Americans
EFFECT: Interment Camps– confinement of
JACL: $138 MIL to compensate for the losses
1990 government gives apology letter and $20,000 to each family