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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

10. 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

11. 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.