Crash Course: Black American History - WWII

Introduction

• Presenter: Clint Smith
• Focus on the unprecedented number of Black Americans serving in WWII.
• Despite patriotism, Black soldiers faced systemic racism and segregation.

Black Americans in WWII

• Initially, fewer than 10,000 Black members in armed forces (1940).
• By war end, 1.2 million Black members; over 2.5 million registered for the draft.
• Segregation limited duties and upward mobility.

Segregation and Discrimination

• Segregated Units: Continued from Civil War.
  • Separate facilities, sleeping quarters, transportation, canteens, and church services.
• Black Women: Faced segregation in auxiliary care units.
  • Promised career opportunities were often not fulfilled.
  • Example: Fort Devens black women relegated to menial labor.

Key Figures and Units

• Eleanor Roosevelt: Influential in allowing Black WACs overseas.
• Sixth Triple Eight: Central Postal Directory Battalion cleared massive mail backlog.
• Charity Adams: One of two Black women promoted to major.
• Gertrude Marguerite Ivory Bertram: Highlighted discrimination faced by Black women in nursing.

Notable Black Units

• 320th Anti-Aircraft Barrage Balloon Battalion and 761st Tank Battalion: Emblems of Black resilience.
• 92nd Infantry Division and 370th Infantry Regiment: Only all-black divisions in both World Wars.
• Tuskegee Airmen (Red Tails): First Black military aviators, flew over 15,000 missions.

Home Front Efforts

• A. Philip Randolph: Proposed a 1941 March on Washington.
  • Led to Executive Order 8802, prohibiting discrimination in defense industries.
• Double V Campaign: Led by James G. Thompson.
  • Emphasized dual victory against fascism abroad and racism at home.

Conclusion

• Black soldiers' contributions were critical to the war effort.
• Importance of acknowledging the role and bravery of Black Americans who fought despite systemic discrimination.

Acknowledgments

• Produced by Crash Course and supported by viewers and patrons.